Chapter 8 - The Verdict
The federal courtroom in downtown Chicago was quiet, save for the rhythmic clicking of the court reporter's machine.
Judge Arthur Henderson sat behind the towering mahogany bench, his expression grave and severe as he looked down at the defense table.
Ethan Walker stood in his orange prison jumpsuit, his shoulders slumped, his eyes cast downward. Beside him, his public defender whispered final instructions before stepping back.
"Mr. Walker," Judge Henderson’s voice echoed through the silent courtroom. "You have been found guilty on all counts of federal wire fraud, tax evasion, fraudulent asset concealment, and conspiracy. You abused your position of trust, defrauded your investors, and attempted to manipulate the judicial and financial systems for your own personal enrichment."
Ethan did not look up. He had nothing left to say.
"The court has reviewed all sentencing guidelines, victim impact statements, and financial restitution reports," Judge Henderson continued, picking up his heavy wooden gavel.
"For the crimes of financial corruption and corporate fraud, I sentence you to fourteen years in federal prison at the medium-security correctional facility in Marion, Illinois, with no eligibility for parole for the first ten years."
Clack.
The sharp sound of the gavel struck the wood block, sealing Ethan’s fate permanently.
As the bailiffs stepped forward to escort Ethan back through the heavy steel doors, he briefly raised his eyes toward the gallery. For a single second, his gaze met Olivia’s, who sat quietly in the front row observing the conclusion of the trial.
May you like
There was no anger in Olivia's eyes. No hatred. Only profound, unbreakable indifference.
Ethan looked away, his head bowed, as the heavy door closed behind him.
