Chapter 22 - Facing a preliminary federal court arraignment in front of a stern judge while former high society friends watch her entire social standing crumble down rapidly.
The federal courtroom was packed to capacity as Helen Montgomery was led in by marshals for her formal arraignment hearing.
She wore a standard orange jumpsuit, her hair unstyled and her face devoid of the expensive makeup she once considered essential.
Sitting in the public gallery were several former high-society acquaintances who had once fawned over her at charity galas.
Now, they looked away with cold disdain, whispering among themselves about her catastrophic fall from grace.
Judge Robert Sterling sat upon the elevated mahogany bench, his expression stern and unyielding as he reviewed the extensive indictment files.
"Mrs. Montgomery, you stand accused of forty counts of grand larceny, wire fraud, conspiracy, and corporate espionage," Judge Sterling read.
"How do you plead to these charges?" the judge asked, his deep voice echoing through the silent courtroom.
Helen looked toward the gallery, searching for a friendly face, but found only cold stares of abandonment and judgment.
"Not... not guilty, Your Honor," Helen mumbled weakly, her voice cracking under the crushing weight of her humiliation.
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Judge Sterling denied bail without hesitation, citing her extreme flight risk and the overwhelming weight of physical evidence against her.
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