Chapter 23 - The Verdict
After only forty-five minutes of deliberation, the jury returned to the courtroom with a unanimous verdict[cite: 7].
"On count one, attempted capital murder, we find the defendant, Vivian Sterling Vance, GUILTY," the jury foreperson read[cite: 7].
"On count two, felony child abuse, GUILTY. On count three, conspiracy to commit corporate fraud, GUILTY."[cite: 7]
The federal judge slammed his gavel down, his face stern as he rendered the final sentence[cite: 7].
"Vivian Vance, your actions were an abhorrent display of cruelty and unmitigated malice," the judge declared[cite: 7].
"I sentence you to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole at ADX Federal Penitentiary."[cite: 7]
As marshals led Vivian away in leg irons, she caught Marcus's steady gaze across the aisle[cite: 7].
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Marcus didn't show anger or triumph; he simply looked at her with pure, silent indifference[cite: 7].
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