Chapter 10 - The Fall of the Conspirators
Six months later, the high-profile trial at the New York State Supreme Court reached its dramatic conclusion. Cameras lined the marble steps outside the courthouse as reporters clustered around the entrance to witness the verdict.
Inside the crowded courtroom, Miranda sat in an orange prison jumpsuit, her hands shackled. Next to her sat Bryce Holland, wearing a heavy chest brace under his uniform. Their high-priced defense team had crumbled under the sheer weight of federal wiretap evidence, forensic banking trails, and Tessa's crucial testimony.
The judge slammed her gavel down onto the wooden block with a resounding crack.
"Miranda Vance, for the crimes of conspiracy to commit attempted murder, child endangerment, and grand larceny, this court sentences you to twenty-two years in state prison without the possibility of parole," the judge declared sternly. "Bryce Holland, for attempted murder, assault, armed burglary, and fraud, you are sentenced to twenty-eight years in a maximum-security facility."
Miranda broke into hysterical sobs as court officers dragged her toward the side holding cell. She glanced desperately toward Everett, who sat in the front row holding little Daisy on his lap, but Everett did not grant her a single glance.
Bryce glared at Everett with cold hatred, but as the iron doors shut behind him, the nightmare that had haunted the Vance family officially came to an end.
Outside on the courthouse steps, bright flashes erupted as press microphones were thrust toward Everett.
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"Mr. Vance! How does it feel to finally clear your family's name?" a news reporter asked.
Everett looked into the cameras, his arm wrapped securely around Tessa, who held little Daisy in a pretty blue summer dress. "Justice has been served. Today, Vance Global Enterprises is establishing a $20 million foundation dedicated to protecting vulnerable children and clearing victims of corporate fraud. We are turning our painful chapter into a legacy of hope."
