Chapter 18 - The Guilty Verdict
The federal jury deliberated for less than three hours before returning to the courtroom with their final verdict.
Judge Ross accepted the sealed envelope from the foreman, scanning the papers with sharp, discerning eyes.
"On all twelve counts of wire fraud, grand larceny, and corporate conspiracy, how do you find the defendant?" she asked.
"We find the defendant, Marcus Vance, guilty on all counts, Your Honor," the foreman announced clearly.
A wave of quiet sighs and emotional relief swept through the spectator benches as Eleanor bowed her head in gratitude.
Marcus sat at the defense table staring blankly ahead, his legal maneuvers finally crumbling into absolute defeat.
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Judge Ross scheduled sentencing for the following month, ordering Marcus remanded immediately into federal custody.
Justice had prevailed through the stubborn integrity of an ordinary worker and the courage of a humbled billionaire.
