Chapter 12
Three weeks later, the morning sun shone brightly over lower Manhattan.
The New York Federal Courthouse was swarmed by hundreds of news reporters and camera crews.
Charlotte Vance walked up the grand stone steps, wearing a tailored navy suit and looking radiant.
The bruises on her cheek had healed, leaving only a faint, subtle mark that served as a testament to her survival.
Inside the courtroom, Julian Sterling and Evelyn Vance sat at the defense table in orange prison jumpsuits.
Judge Sterling, Julian's corrupt uncle, had been removed from the bench and faced his own federal indictments.
The presiding judge slammed her gavel down, demanding absolute silence in the packed courtroom.
"In the matter of the State of New York versus Vance, Sterling, and Associates," the judge announced firmly.
"All assets belonging to the Vance Hospitality Group are hereby restored to Charlotte Vance."
"Defendants Julian Sterling and Evelyn Vance are remanded without bail pending sentencing for attempted murder and corporate fraud."
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A wave of applause erupted across the gallery as Charlotte stood up, surrounded by her legal team.
She looked at her fallen enemies one last time; both avoided her gaze, broken and defeated.
