CHAPTER 9
Judge Torres nodded approvingly, gathering her paperwork before delivering her final verdict.
"Maxwell Morales," Judge Torres declared, her voice firm and uncompromising. "You are hereby sentenced to three years in state prison, followed by three years of mandatory financial probation and full restitution for court costs."
Maxwell slumped forward in his chair, putting his head in his hands as a quiet sob escaped his chest.
I didn't feel joy, nor did I feel hatred; I simply felt the quiet resolution of a mother who had finally set a boundary that should have been drawn years ago.
As the bailiffs led Maxwell through the side doors toward the holding facility, he stopped for a brief second and looked back at me.
"I'm sorry, Mom," he whispered, his voice genuine for the first time in his adult life.
May you like
"I know, Max," I replied softly. "I hope you find yourself in there."
Julian wrapped his arm around my shoulders as we walked out of the courtroom into the bright California sunshine, leaving the dark shadows of court battles and betrayal behind us forever.
