Chapter 14 - The Final VerdictThe grand jury deliberation took less than twenty minutes.

The jury foreman stood up, holding a crisp white envelope. "Your Honor, on all counts of corporate fraud, grand larceny, conspiracy, and domestic assault, the grand jury finds the defendant, Julian Vance, Guilty on all charges."
Gavel banged.
Clack.
"Julian Vance, you are hereby sentenced to twenty-five years in federal prison without the possibility of parole, alongside full asset forfeiture and mandatory restitution to Stark Global Holdings," the judge declared.
Julian let out a ragged, desperate sob, slumping completely forward until his forehead hit the cold metal table. The bailiffs stepped in immediately, clicking the handcuffs onto his wrists and hauling him away toward the holding cells beneath the courthouse. He didn't look back once.
As the courtroom emptied, Chloe and Sophie—who had slipped into the back rows disguised in hoodies and sunglasses—fled out the side doors, terrified that my legal team would spot them next.
Arthur walked up beside me, placing a hand gently on my shoulder.
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"It's over, Elena," Arthur said quietly. "The Vance family dynasty is nothing more than a cautionary tale in financial history books."
"It's not over, Uncle Arthur," I replied, looking out the tall courthouse windows toward the sprawling city skyline. "It's only just beginning."
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