Chapter 9 - The Trial of Traitor Blood
While Sophia mastered the high-society world, the final remnants of the internal threat against the Moretti family were brought to justice.
In the subterranean high-security courtroom of the State Supreme Court, Marco Moretti sat behind the defense table, wearing an orange prison jumpsuit, heavily handcuffed and leg-ironed.
Behind him sat fifty armed state troopers and federal marshals.
The courtroom was packed with journalists, legal observers, and syndicate leaders from across the country.
Sitting in the front row of the gallery was Alessandro, impeccably dressed, flanked by Matteo and his senior legal team.
The judge slammed her gavel down.
"In the matter of State v. Marco Moretti," the judge announced sternly. "The defendant has been charged with forty-two federal counts, including attempted murder of a minor, treason, terrorism, and illegal weapons smuggling."
Marco’s defense attorney stood up, trembling slightly. "Your Honor... my client wishes to enter a plea of guilty on all counts in exchange for protection from the state prison general population."
Marco looked across the courtroom, his eyes landing on Alessandro. He looked broken, terrified, knowing that inside any prison in the country, the Moretti name carried absolute power.
"Mr. Moretti," the judge looked at Marco. "Before I pronounce sentence, do you have anything to say?"
Marco swallowed hard, his voice raspy and pathetic. "I... I was greedy. I let my jealousy destroy my life. I beg for mercy."
The judge didn't blink.
"You attempted to detonate a military-grade explosive at an eight-year-old child's birthday party," the judge said cold-faced. "You betrayed your family and sold weapons to foreign cartels. There is no mercy for actions like yours."
BANG!
The gavel struck the oak block.
"I sentence you to three consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole," the judge declared. "You will serve your term at ADX Florence Federal Penitentiary."
As the marshals grabbed Marco’s arms to drag him out through the side exit, Marco looked at Alessandro one last time, weeping bitterly.
May you like
Alessandro didn't say a word. He simply raised his hand, adjusted his golden cufflinks, and turned his back on his cousin forever.
The traitor was gone. The bloodline was clean.
