Chapter 16 - The Verdict
Deliberations took less than five hours. When the jury foreperson stood to read the verdict, the tension in the room was palpable.
"On the charge of unlawful imprisonment, we find the defendant, Victoria Sterling, guilty. On the charge of extortion, we find the defendant guilty. On the charge of child endangerment, we find the defendant guilty."
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As the word "guilty" echoed for the third time, Victoria collapsed back into her chair, burying her face in her hands. The facade had completely shattered. A collective sigh of relief washed over the gallery. Parents wept and hugged one another.
Sarah didn't cheer. She simply stood up, wrapped her arm around Lily’s shoulders, and guided her daughter out of the courtroom, leaving Victoria Sterling to face the consequences of her actions. The war was won.
