Chapter 14 - The Trial of the CenturyTwo months later, the central courthouse was swarming with hundreds of journalists, news vans, and spectators. It was dubbed the trial of the decade.
Eleanor Whitmore sat at the defense table, dressed in a muted grey prison jumpsuit. Her sharp beauty had decayed over weeks of incarceration—her hair was streaked with silver, her face gaunt, her eyes hollowed by fury and bitter defeat.
On the witness stand, Claire spoke clearly, detailing the night at the gala, the threats, and the shove that almost took her life. Following her, forensic experts presented the poison analysis, and the maid testified to Eleanor’s direct action on the stairs.
Finally, Ethan took the stand.
The prosecutor looked at Ethan. "Mr. Whitmore, as the current CEO of Whitmore Enterprise and the son of the defendant, do you wish to make a statement regarding sentencing?"
Ethan locked eyes with his mother. For the first time in his life, he felt no fear, no guilt, and no obligation to her legacy.
"The woman sitting at that table is a master manipulator," Ethan said, his voice echoing through the packed courtroom. "She took my father’s life, destroyed an innocent family, and spent decades ruling through fear and deceit. She does not deserve mercy. She deserves the full weight of the law."
Eleanor slammed her hands on the table, trying to spring forward. "You ungrateful brat! I built you! I made you who you are!"
The judge slammed the gavel repeatedly. "Order! Order in the court!"
Two guards restrained Eleanor, forcing her back into her seat.
The jury deliberated for less than two hours.
VERDICT: GUILTY ON ALL COUNTS.
First-Degree Murder of Arthur Whitmore.
Attempted Murder of Claire Montgomery.
Evidence Tampering and Fraud.
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SENTENCE: LIFE IN PRISON WITHOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF PAROLE.
As Eleanor was led out of the courtroom in heavy chains, she turned to look at Ethan one last time. But Ethan wasn't looking at her anymore. He had already turned around, taking Claire’s hand as they walked out of the courtroom together toward the sunlight streaming through the exit doors.
