Chapter 16
The trial of Phoebe Sterling began on a crisp autumn morning inside the federal district courthouse in downtown Houston.
Television crews crowded the courthouse steps, interviewing onlookers who had traveled across the state to witness the elite socialite's downfall.
Phoebe walked into the courtroom wearing a standard orange jumpsuit, her arrogant demeanor completely shattered.
She refused to make eye contact with anyone in the gallery, her dark hair tied back haphazardly without its usual elegance.
Arthur Sterling watched from the defendant's box across the aisle, looking broken and defeated under the weight of fifty federal charges.
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When Sarah took the witness stand in her crisp khaki sheriff's uniform, the courtroom fell into absolute, reverent silence.
The prosecutor guided Sarah through the events of the banquet hall assault with clear, concise questions.
