Chapter 26 - WHEN THE VERDICT CAMEThe jury deliberated for six days.
Outside the courthouse, reporters speculated about the outcome. Sterling Meridian's remaining directors announced plans to separate the legitimate business operations from the entities implicated in the investigation.
Inside, Thomas tried to maintain a normal routine for Noah.
He took his son to the park, helped him build dinosaur models, and read the same bedtime story three nights in a row because Noah insisted that the ending was his favorite part.
Amber attended every day of the trial.
She did not ask Thomas whether he would take her back.
She did not ask him to forgive her.
She simply continued cooperating with investigators, answering questions, and accepting responsibility for the decisions she had made.
On the sixth afternoon, the jury returned.
Richard Sterling stood as the foreperson began reading the verdict.
Guilty.
Guilty.
Guilty.
The verdicts covered the central financial conspiracy, fraud, bribery, and obstruction charges supported by the evidence presented at trial.
On the charges specifically concerning Margaret's death, the jury found Richard guilty of the offenses it had been asked to decide, including conspiracy connected to the intimidation operation. The precise scope of his criminal responsibility was determined by the counts and evidence before the court, rather than by the family's suspicions alone.
Richard's expression remained blank until the final verdict was read.
Then he turned toward Victoria.
“You destroyed everything,” he whispered.
Victoria did not look away.
“No,” she replied. “You built it this way.”
Julian was also convicted on the major conspiracy and fraud charges against him. His testimony and cooperation had not erased his role in the operation.
Ellison's cooperation helped establish the events surrounding Margaret's death, although he still faced consequences for his own conduct.
The courtroom erupted into whispers as the judge ordered silence.
Thomas felt the tension leave his body so suddenly that he had to grip the back of the bench.
Amber covered her mouth with both hands.
She had expected relief, but what came first was grief.
Her mother was still gone.
No verdict could return the years they had lost or undo the fear that had shaped Amber's life.
Yet the truth had survived.
Outside the courthouse, Thomas and Amber stood beneath the gray afternoon sky.
“I don't know how to feel,” she admitted.
“You don't have to decide today.”
“Do you think Mom would be proud?”
Thomas considered the question.
“I think she'd be proud that you finally stopped hiding.”
Amber looked at him.
“And us?”
Thomas took a slow breath.
“I don't know yet. But I know we can stop living inside the lie.”
For the first time, she smiled without trying to conceal her tears.
Behind them, the courthouse doors closed.
May you like
The trial was over.
The consequences were only beginning.
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