Chapter 13
The jury deliberations lasted a mere two hours before the buzzer rang, signaling a unanimous verdict had been reached. The courtroom fell into an absolute, breathless hush as the foreman stood up to read the official decision.
"On all counts of financial fraud, extortion, and attempted premeditated poisoning, we find the defendant guilty," he declared. Gavel strikes echoed like thunderclaps through the historic chamber, sealing Eleanor's permanent fate behind iron bars.
"I sentence Eleanor Sterling to forty years in a maximum-security federal facility without parole," the judge ruled firmly. Eleanor slumped forward against the defense table, sobbing hysterically as federal marshals handcuffed her wrists.
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Camera flashes exploded like a violent storm across the room as she was hauled away in absolute disgrace. Christian placed his arm gently around Chloe's waist, guiding her out of the courtroom toward the sunlight.
The nightmare was officially over, and the shadows of the past were permanently erased by the blinding light of justice.
