Chapter 9 - Justice and Judgment
The federal courtroom of the District of Massachusetts was packed to absolute capacity. Reporters, corporate analysts, and legal observers crowded the benches to witness the final chapter of the Waverly corporate trial.
Judge Thomas Sterling sat behind the mahogany bench, his expression grave as he reviewed the final sentencing memoranda. Standing before him at the defense table was Celeste Waverly, flanked by public defenders who could do little more than manage the wreckage of her defense.
"Ms. Waverly," Judge Sterling’s voice echoed clearly through the silent, solemn chamber. "The court has reviewed the voluminous evidence detailing decades of financial fraud, corporate embezzlement, subornation of perjury, and the targeted malicious interference in familial and medical records."
Celeste stood stiffly, refusing to bow her head, though her jaw twitched with suppressed panic.
"The abuse of corporate power to inflict personal terror and subvert human life is a profound crime against society," the judge continued, raising his gavel. "On all counts of federal racketeering, wire fraud, conspiracy, and child endangerment, this court sentences you to thirty years in federal custody without the provision of parole."
Clack.
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The heavy gavel struck the wood, sealing her fate once and for all.
As federal marshals stepped forward, placing steel cuffs back onto Celeste's wrists and leading her away through the secure side exit, she cast one final, venomous glance toward the gallery. Grant wasn't even looking at her. He sat quietly beside June Harper, his mind already miles away, resting on the shores of Cape Cod where his true life was waiting.
