Chapter 6
Three months later, the high-profile federal trial of Vanessa Sterling commenced in lower Manhattan. The courtroom was packed to maximum capacity with journalists, financial analysts, and curious spectators.
Claire sat in the front row of the gallery, wearing an elegant navy blue dress and dark sunglasses. The lead federal prosecutor presented the damning wiretap recordings and corporate bank statements to the jury.
Vanessa sat at the defense table, looking hollow and defeated as her voice echoed through the courtroom speakers. She could be heard conspiring to manipulate stock prices and forge real estate deeds to steal Vantage Corporation assets.
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The jury members listened with expressions of deep disgust, taking detailed notes throughout the morning session. Claire remained entirely expressionless, her micro-expressions reflecting the cold, calculating composure of an apex predator.
The judge declared a lunch recess, and the media swarmed the courthouse steps to capture breaking broadcast updates. America watched in absolute fascination as the billionaire elite faced the uncompromising justice of the federal system.
