Chapter 11 - The Day in Court
Three months later, the sun shone brightly through the tall arched windows of the Manhattan Supreme Courthouse.
Inside the crowded courtroom, Adrian sat at the defense table in an orange jumpsuit, his hands restrained by handcuffs. Beside him sat Vanessa and Victor Sterling, both dressed in matching institutional wear.
On the public gallery side sat Celeste, looking frail, grey-haired, and entirely stripped of her former elegance. Living in a small rented apartment on a tiny pension, she was forced to watch her son face judgment.
The judge slammed her gavel down with a sharp CRACK.
"In the matter of the State v. Adrian Hale, Vanessa Cross, and Victor Sterling," the judge announced, her voice booming across the silent room. "Having reviewed the overwhelming digital forensic evidence, video footage, and financial ledgers, this court finds all three defendants guilty on all counts."
Adrian closed his eyes tightly as tears leaked onto his cheeks, his shoulders slumping in total defeat.
"Adrian Hale," the judge continued, "for the counts of corporate embezzlement, grand forgery, and attempted custodial interference, you are sentenced to fourteen years in state prison without the possibility of parole for the first ten years."
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A collective gasp echoed through the gallery. Vanessa sobbed hysterically as she received an eight-year sentence, while Victor received twelve years for his role as the financial mastermind.
👉 Read PART 12 to see how Claire confronted Adrian one last time before his transport!
