Chapter 10 - The Unraveling Empire
Judge Vance adjusted his glasses, looking down at Victoria with severe disappointment.
“Victoria Sterling, your actions constitute a direct betrayal of the United States military and its service members,” the judge declared.
“I sentence you to twenty-five years in a federal maximum-security facility without the possibility of parole,” he ruled firmly.
Chloe burst into uncontrollable weeping, bowing her head onto the defense table as her sentence of eight years was read immediately after.
Vivian sat quietly in the front row, holding her four-year-old daughter’s small hand while Arthur sat beside her.
As the marshals led Victoria away in chains, the former matriarch stopped directly beside Vivian’s seat.
“Your husband died for nothing, Vivian!” Victoria spat, her eyes wild with venom.
Vivian stood up slowly, towering over the broken woman with absolute military composure.
“My husband died protecting his country,” Vivian replied, her voice steady and resonant. “You are going to prison for destroying yours.”
Victoria was dragged out through the side doors, her screams fading into the heavy concrete corridors.
Arthur placed a warm, reassuring hand on Vivian’s shoulder as the courtroom began to clear out.
“It’s finally over, Vivian,” Arthur said softly.
May you like
“No, Arthur,” Vivian answered, looking down at the classified document in her hands. “It’s just beginning.”
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