Chapter 8: The Arraignment
The courtroom was packed with reporters and onlookers. Elena sat in the front row, flanked by Marcus and a victim's advocate. She wore a tailored beige suit, her head held high, though the bandages and bruises on her face were impossible to hide.
A door opened, and Julian was led in. He wore an oversized orange jumpsuit, his hands shackled to his waist. The impeccably groomed billionaire was gone; in his place was a hollow, defeated man. He looked across the aisle, his eyes locking onto Elena’s. He expected to see fear.
Instead, Elena stared back with unflinching resolve.
The judge slammed her gavel, bringing the room to order. When the defense attorney predictably requested bail, citing Julian's ties to the community, the prosecutor played a brief, chilling segment of the audio.
"199. Come on. One more time. 200."
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The courtroom fell dead silent. The judge looked at Julian with visible disgust. "Bail is denied. The defendant is remanded to custody."
Elena let out a long, shaky breath. The monster was finally behind bars.
