Chapter 9 - The Verdict and Retribution
The jury deliberated for less than two hours.
When they returned to the courtroom, the foreman read the verdict:
"On the charge of Aggravated Assault on a Minor with a Deadly Weapon: GUILTY."
"On the charge of Evidence Tampering and Framing: GUILTY."
"On the charge of Grand Larceny and Trust Fraud: GUILTY."
The judge showed no mercy. Citing the brutal nature of the crime against an innocent child and the calculated framing effort, she sentenced Preston to twenty-two years in state prison without the possibility of parole for the first fifteen years.
In a separate civil ruling, the court officially dissolved Preston's legal claim to Grandfather Vance’s estate. Under the execution clause, the full $40 million trust was officially awarded to me and Sophie.
As the bailiffs led Preston away in chains, my father approached me in the hallway outside the courtroom. He looked haggard, his political career finished, his reputation completely ruined.
"Evelyn," Arthur said, his voice trembling, reaching out a hand. "You've won... you have everything now. But please... Preston won't survive in prison. Can't you talk to the prosecutor? Reduce the civil damages? We have nothing left."
I looked at my father—the man who had watched my child bleed on a marble floor and told me to leave so I wouldn't "ruin the wedding."
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"You told me that night that wolves don't love lambs, Dad," I said softly. "You chose your wolf. Now you get to live with him."
I turned my back on him and walked away, leaving him standing alone in the cold marble corridor.
