Chapter 7 - The Trial of the CenturyTwo months later, the central courthouse was swarming with hundreds of journalists. It was dubbed the trial of the decade.
Eleanor Whitmore sat at the defense table in a grey prison jumpsuit. Her beauty had decayed over weeks of incarceration—her hair streaked with silver, her face gaunt, her eyes hollowed by fury.
On the witness stand, Claire detailed the night at the gala, the threats, and the shove that almost took her life. Following her, forensic experts presented the thallium analysis, and the maid testified to Eleanor’s direct action on the stairs.
Finally, Ethan took the stand.
"The woman sitting at that table is a master manipulator," Ethan said, his voice echoing through the courtroom. "She took my father’s life, destroyed an innocent family, and ruled through fear. She does not deserve mercy. She deserves the full weight of the law."
Eleanor slammed her hands on the table. "You ungrateful brat! I built you!"
The jury deliberated for less than two hours.
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VERDICT: GUILTY ON ALL COUNTS. SENTENCE: LIFE IN PRISON WITHOUT PAROLE.
As Eleanor was led out in heavy chains, she turned to look at Ethan one last time, but Ethan had already turned away, holding Claire’s hand tight.
