Chapter 17 - THE ARRAIGNMENT
By afternoon, the federal courthouse steps were jammed with flashing camera bulbs and aggressive reporters shouting questions.
Mark and Elena were led out of a black transport van in standard orange prison jumpsuits, their heads bowed low.
Reporters shoved microphones toward them, desperate for a soundbite on the biggest corporate scandal of the decade.
"Mr. Sterling! Is it true your wife stripped your entire empire in under twelve hours?" a journalist yelled aggressively.
Mark kept his eyes locked on the concrete pavement, his arrogant demeanor completely shattered into dust.
They were shoved through the heavy oak doors of the courtroom and led directly to the defendant's table.
Sitting across the aisle in the high-backed prosecution seats was Arthur Vance, representing Clara with calm confidence.
Judge Thomas banged his wooden gavel to restore order, his stern gaze piercing down at the disgraced mother and son.
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"You are facing federal charges carrying a maximum sentence of twenty years in a federal penitentiary," Judge Thomas stated sternly.
Mark swallowed hard, his throat dry as sandpaper as he realized there was no escape from the legal trap.
