Chapter 9 - The Final Settlement
Six months later.
The legal storm that swept through the Duca family concluded in a federal courtroom in Dallas.
With indisputable forensic evidence of fraud, forgery, and grand larceny presented by Richard Sterling, the judge handed down the final rulings.
Michael Duca was sentenced to eight years in a federal penitentiary for corporate fraud and wire laundering, his sports cars and dummy company assets seized and liquidated to pay back the stolen funds.
Jennifer Duca received six years for grand theft, forgery, and felony identity fraud, her luxury townhome sold at public auction.
My mother, Margaret, given her age, avoided prison time but was sentenced to three years of strict house arrest in a small, modest one-bedroom apartment outside the city, stripped of all access to family trust funds, living entirely on a basic state pension.
The day the trial ended, Emma and I stood on the steps of the courthouse, watching as Michael and Jennifer were led away in handcuffs to transport vans.
I looked down at Emma. Her face wasn't filled with hatred or triumph. It was filled with a quiet, peaceful closure.
"Are you okay, sweetheart?" I asked, wrapping my arm around her shoulder.
"I am," she smiled softly, looking up into my eyes. "The past is finally where it belongs, Ethan. Behind us."
"Where do you want to go now?" I asked, kissing her forehead.
She held out her hand, showing me two airplane tickets she had tucked inside her purse.
May you like
"Sorrento, Italy," she grinned, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "You promised me a real honeymoon six years ago. It’s time you kept your promise, Mr. Duca."
I laughed—a joyful, soul-clearing sound—and pulled her close, kissing her deeply under the warm Texas sun.
