Chapter 7 - THE TOTAL ERASEThe sentencing was brutal.
For federal extortion, theft of trade secrets, and tax fraud stemming from the corporate audit, Jasper Vance was sentenced to eighteen years in federal prison without the possibility of parole for the first twelve years.
Furthermore, the court ordered total restitution in the amount of $14 million, ensuring that any future money Jasper ever earned for the rest of his natural life would be automatically garnished by the state.
As the guards dragged a screaming, sobbing Jasper out of the courtroom, Priscilla collapsed in the gallery, hyperventilating, while Gillian covered her face in shame, dodging the flashing cameras of news reporters chasing them down the steps of the courthouse.
Six months later.
The name “Jasper Vance” had been entirely scrubbed from the tech industry. Apex Dynamics was formally liquidated, its patents bought out and rebranded under Robertson Global’s humanitarian medical tech division.
In a quiet, sunlit corner of a private estate in the Hamptons, Hailey sat on a white patio deck overlooking the ocean.
Beside her, eight-month-old Toby was crawling across a soft wool blanket, giggling happily as he reached for a wooden toy car.
Finnley Robertson stepped out onto the deck, carrying two mugs of warm tea. He handed one to his daughter, sitting down in the wicker chair next to her.
“The legal team finalized the last paperwork today, sweetheart,” Finnley said softly, watching his grandson play. “Toby’s last name has been legally changed to Robertson. All references to his father on his birth certificate have been formally updated under the sole-custody court order.”
Hailey took a sip of her tea, feeling the warm ocean breeze brush against her face.
“It’s strange, Dad,” Hailey murmured, watching the waves crash against the shore. “For two years, I lived in that small apartment thinking I needed to shrink myself to make him feel big. I thought being a good wife meant accepting less.”
Finnley reached over, taking her hand tightly in his.
“You have the blood of builders and visionaries in your veins, Hailey,” Finnley said proudly. “You didn’t shrink. You just waited until the mask fell off.”
Just then, Victoria Cross walked onto the patio holding a leather portfolio.
“Good afternoon, Hailey. Mr. Robertson,” Victoria said with a crisp smile. “I have the final report regarding the Vance family status.”
“Go ahead, Victoria,” Hailey replied.
“Priscilla Vance’s bankruptcy filing has been denied due to fraudulent concealment of personal luxury assets,” Victoria reported smoothly. “She is currently living in a shared room in a municipal shelter and working as a night-shift cleaner at a local bowling alley to cover her court fines. Gillian Vance was fired from her third retail job last week for attendance violations and is currently facing civil suits from credit card companies totaling $85,000.”
Hailey listened quietly. There was no joy in her heart over their downfall, but there was no pity either. It was simply the cold, mathematical outcome of choices made by people who believed other human beings were disposable.
“And Jasper?” Hailey asked.
“Mr. Vance was transferred to a medium-security facility in upstate New York last week,” Victoria said. “His first application for a sentence reduction was summarily rejected by the appellate judge. He has been assigned to work in the prison laundry facility.”
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Hailey looked down at little Toby, who had successfully grabbed his toy and was holding it up proudly, letting out a loud, joyful squeal.
“Thank you, Victoria,” Hailey said softly. “You can close the files. We’re done with them.”
