CHAPTER 14: THE TRIAL OF VICTORIA STERLING
The trial began eight months later.
Victoria entered the courtroom wearing a dark gray suit.
Her hair was perfect.
Her posture was straight.
She looked almost exactly as she had at the birthday celebration.
But there were no chandeliers above her.
No champagne.
No guests waiting to applaud.
Nathan Cole testified for the prosecution.
Elaine Porter, safely returned from Switzerland, confirmed the financial transfers.
Samuel Brooks authenticated Edward’s trust.
Hospital experts described the attempt on Lauren’s life.
Daniel Voss was tried separately for attempted murder, conspiracy, financial crimes, and his role in Edward Sterling’s death.
Lauren took the witness stand on the seventh day.
Victoria watched her with cold, unreadable eyes.
Lauren described being threatened with the loss of her child.
She described the basement apartment.
The mold.
The hunger.
The letters written in Alexander’s name.
Then the prosecutor asked the final question.
“Why did you not surrender Sophia in exchange for financial support?”
Lauren looked toward the gallery, where Alexander sat beside their daughter.
“Because Sophia was never a bargaining chip.”
Victoria’s expression finally cracked.
When Alexander testified, the defense attempted to portray him as a bitter son using the legal system to punish an aging mother.
Alexander remained calm.
“My mother is not on trial because I hate her.”
“Then why are you here?” the defense attorney asked.
“Because loving someone does not require protecting them from the consequences of what they chose to do.”
After four weeks, the jury returned its verdict.
Guilty of conspiracy.
Guilty of wire fraud.
Guilty of theft.
Guilty of witness intimidation.
Guilty of obstruction of justice.
Guilty of aiding an attempted murder.
Victoria closed her eyes as each verdict was read.
At sentencing, she asked permission to speak.
She turned toward Alexander.
“I built everything for you.”
Alexander said nothing.
“I protected your inheritance.”
Still, he remained silent.
Victoria’s voice rose.
“You would have lost the company.”
Alexander finally stood.
“I almost lost my wife.”
He placed a hand on Sophia’s shoulder.
“I did lose three years of my daughter’s life.”
The judge sentenced Victoria to twenty-eight years in federal prison.
Nathan received twelve years after cooperating.
Daniel Voss received life imprisonment.
Outside the courthouse, reporters crowded behind metal barricades.
Sophia held Alexander’s hand on one side and Lauren’s on the other.
A reporter shouted, “Mr. Sterling, do you feel justice was served?”
Alexander looked down at his daughter.
Sophia was no longer wearing worn-out sneakers.
But she still carried the stuffed rabbit she had chosen over a room full of toys.
“Justice cannot return stolen time,” Alexander answered. “It can only prevent the people who stole it from doing the same thing again.”
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Together, the three of them walked away from the courthouse.
For the first time, no one was forcing them apart.
