Chapter 17 - The Federal Indictment Trial
Three months later, the federal criminal trial of Marcus Vance opened at the Manhattan Federal District Court.
Judge Katherine Ross presided over the packed courtroom, her expression stern and unwavering beneath her black robes.
Prosecutor Elena Gomez presented compelling financial records, offshore bank logs, and recorded phone taps.
Eleanor took the witness stand on the second day, testifying clearly and honestly about her past blindness to the fraud.
When defense attorney Victor Sterling tried to cross-examine her, Eleanor answered every question with unshakeable poise.
"Did you personally authorize any of the offshore wire transfers between 2022 and 2024?" Victor demanded aggressively.
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"Never," Eleanor answered calmly, looking directly into the defense lawyer's eyes. "My signature was forged by Marcus."
Victor had no counter-argument, sitting down in defeat as the gallery murmured with quiet approval.
