Chapter 13 - The Trial of the Vances
Six months later, the county courthouse was packed to capacity for the sentencing hearing of the Vance family.
Vanessa sat at the defense table dressed in a plain orange prison jumpsuit, her wrists chained to her waist.
Her silver hair was pulled back into a simple braid, and the arrogant smirk that had once defined her expression had completely vanished.
Beside her, Thomas Vance sat with his head bowed as the judge reviewed the eighty-count indictment.
"Vanessa Vance," the judge’s voice boomed through the courtroom.
"Your actions demonstrated a callous disregard for human dignity, the judicial system, and the law.
You used your wealth as a weapon to destroy an innocent woman’s life and attempted to subvert justice through violence.
"
The judge banged the wooden gavel with a sharp, echoing strike.
"On the charges of felony grand larceny, conspiracy to commit murder, and aggravated assault, you are hereby sentenced to fourteen years at the Western Women’s Correctional Facility without eligibility for parole.
"
Vanessa broke down into quiet, helpless sobs as the bailiffs escorted her toward the holding cells.
As she passed the gallery, she caught Emily’s eye.
May you like
Emily did not look away, nor did she gloat.
She simply looked back with calm, unshakeable composure, the marks of that terrible night long since healed into strength.
