Chapter 23 - The Verdict
After only forty-five minutes of deliberation, the jury returned to the courtroom with a unanimous verdict.
"On count one, attempted capital murder, we find the defendant, Vivian Sterling Vance, GUILTY," the jury foreperson read.
"On count two, felony child abuse, GUILTY. On count three, conspiracy to commit corporate fraud, GUILTY."
The federal judge slammed his gavel down, his face stern as he rendered the final sentence.
"Vivian Vance, your actions were an abhorrent display of cruelty and unmitigated malice," the judge declared.
"I sentence you to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole at ADX Federal Penitentiary."
As marshals led Vivian away in leg irons, she caught Marcus's steady gaze across the aisle.
May you like
Marcus didn't show anger or triumph; he simply looked at her with pure, silent indifference.
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