Chapter 9 - The Sentencing
Two weeks later, Judge Thorne sat on the bench to pronounce the formal sentences.
The courtroom was silent as a tomb.
"Julian Vance," Judge Thorne declared, his voice echoing off the high stone ceilings. "You stand convicted of some of the most abhorrent, unnatural crimes this court has ever encountered. You showed zero remorse, zero humanity, and zero basic decency toward the woman who gave you life."
Judge Thorne adjusted his glasses, looking down at my brother.
"On the charges of First-Degree Elder Abuse, Extortion, and Grand Larceny, I sentence you to a period of 45 years in the State Maximum Security Penitentiary, without the possibility of parole for thirty years."
Julian’s knees gave out, and he collapsed back into his chair, gasping for air.
"Chloe Vance," Judge Thorne continued, "for your active participation in the torture, financial plunder, and drugging of Evelyn Vance, I sentence you to 30 years in the State Women’s Correctional Facility."
"Marcus Vance, for your role in money laundering and extortion, I sentence you to 20 years in state prison."
Judge Thorne slammed his gavel down hard. "Furthermore, this court orders the complete seizure and total liquidation of all assets, bank accounts, real estate, and personal property owned by Julian, Chloe, and Marcus Vance. Every single penny will be returned to Evelyn Vance in full restitution!"
As the guards shackled Julian’s feet and hands in heavy iron chains, he turned his head slowly toward me one last time.
"Elena..." he whimpered, tears streaming down his hollow cheeks. "Please... talk to me... I'm your brother..."
May you like
I stood beside my mother, holding her hand tightly. I looked at Julian, the boy I had grown up with, the man who had become a monster.
"You died to us the night you locked her door, Julian," I said calmly. "Enjoy your cage."
