Chapter 19 - THE MOTHER'S DESPERATE PLEA IN COURT
Back in the federal courtroom, the defense attorney stood up to present a last-ditch plea for bail reduction.
"Your Honor, my clients are respectable members of society who pose no flight risk," the lawyer argued nervously.
Judge Thomas raised an eyebrow, reviewing the extensive list of frozen offshore accounts and shell companies.
Before the judge could rule, Elena suddenly stood up from the defendant's chair, ignoring her lawyer's frantic warnings.
"Your Honor, please! Clara is my daughter-in-law! She has total control; she can drop these charges if she wants!" Elena sobbed.
The courtroom murmured with suppressed amusement at the desperate, humiliating plea from the fallen matriarch.
Judge Thomas banged his gavel twice, silencing the room with an authoritative crack of wood against wood.
"Mrs. Sterling, your son attempted to defraud a multi-billion-dollar corporation while abusing its primary shareholder," Judge Thomas reminded her coldly.
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"Bail is denied. You will remain remanded in federal custody pending trial."
Elena collapsed back into her chair, burying her face in her orange-sleeved arms as bitter tears stained her cheeks.
