Chapter 16 - The Verdict
It took the jury less than four hours to reach a decision. The courtroom was dead silent as the foreman stood to read the verdict. Julian stood beside his lawyer, his breath hitching, a stark contrast to the arrogant man who had stood in the ballroom months prior.
"On the count of insurance fraud, we find the defendant, Julian Harrington, guilty," the foreman read clearly. "On the count of reckless endangerment of a minor, we find the defendant guilty."
Julian’s knees buckled slightly, but Sterling caught him by the arm. The judge struck his gavel, officially remanding Julian into custody until sentencing. As the bailiff approached with handcuffs, Julian finally looked back at the gallery. He didn't look at his mother; he looked at Sarah.
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Sarah’s expression was neutral. She offered no gloating smile, no triumphant glare. She simply watched as a dangerous man was held accountable and removed from society.
As the metal cuffs clicked around Julian’s wrists, Eleanor buried her face in her hands, weeping quietly. The Harrington name, once a symbol of untouchable power in the city, had been permanently broken. Justice had been served, and Sarah could finally breathe freely.
