Chapter 8 - The Sentences and the Scars
The final criminal trial concluded in the spring. The evidence provided by Northstar's forensic team left the defense with absolutely nothing to fight with.
The judge, looking over the thick binders of evidence showing the abuse, the corporate espionage, and the calculated attempt to leave a mother and newborn to freeze to death, showed no mercy.
"Ryan Mercer, you have demonstrated a profound lack of human decency, violating both the laws of commerce and the sacred duty of a father," the Judge declared. "I sentence you to fifteen years in state prison for corporate theft, felony assault, and violation of protection orders."
"Margaret Mercer, for your role in the financial fraud and the assault on Emily Vance, you are sentenced to seven years in a women's correctional facility."
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Vanessa, the mistress who thought she was moving into a luxury mansion, was given five years of probation and a permanent stain on her record that ensured she would never work in logistics or finance again.
As they were led out of the courtroom in chains, Emily sat beside me. She didn't cry. She held my hand tightly, her grip strong, the fear that had defined her marriage completely washed away.
