Chapter 8 - The Empire Crumbles
The day of the final trial arrived. The atmosphere in the courthouse was vastly different this time. The hallway was crowded with journalists. News of Richard Sterling’s assistant being arrested for conspiracy to commit murder had leaked to the press, and the Sterling Development stock price was in a freefall.
When Claire arrived, she looked completely undone. The pristine, elegant woman from three months ago was gone. Her hair was messy, her eyes bloodshot, and she was sweating profusely. Bradley Vance looked pale, realizing his career was about to be dragged into the mud alongside his client.
Richard Sterling was noticeably absent; he had been detained by federal authorities for questioning earlier that morning.
We entered the judge's chambers first. Judge Thomas sat behind her desk, looking warm and approachable without her robes. Valerie sat in a large leather chair opposite her, holding my hand tightly.
"Hello, Valerie," Judge Thomas said with a kind smile. "Can you tell me how things have been at your house lately?"
Valerie took a deep breath, looking at me for strength. "It's been really good," she said, her voice steady. "Daddy makes us breakfast every morning. He helps me with my homework, and he showed me how to hold Mateo safely without hurting my back. Rex sleeps by my door every night so I don't feel scared of the dark anymore."
"And how do you feel about your mommy?" the judge asked gently.
Valerie’s eyes dimmed slightly. "I hope Mommy finds happiness. But... I don't want to live with her. When she's there, I have to be the mommy, and I'm too little to be a mommy. I just want to be Daddy’s little girl."
May you like
Judge Thomas’s eyes softened, a look of profound respect crossing her face as she looked at me. "Thank you, Valerie. You are a very brave young lady. You can step out with Dr. Vance now."
Once the children were removed, we transitioned to the main courtroom for the final verdicts. The proceeding was short, brutal, and decisive.
