Chapter 7: The Verdict
Three weeks later, the jury deliberated for less than four hours.
The courtroom remained completely silent as the foreperson stood.
"On Count One..."
"Guilty."
Victoria closed her eyes.
"Count Two..."
"Guilty."
The verdict continued.
Child abuse.
False imprisonment.
Felony assault.
Wire fraud.
Money laundering.
Conspiracy.
Every single count.
By the end, Victoria no longer looked toward anyone.
The judge adjusted his glasses before speaking.
"Mrs. Harrington, your crimes were committed against the three people who trusted you most."
He paused.
"The psychological injuries inflicted upon these children may last decades."
He sentenced her to twenty-eight years in federal prison.
No parole before serving the mandatory minimum.
The courtroom remained silent.
Nathan didn't celebrate.
Neither did the children.
Justice wasn't victory.
It was simply the first step toward healing.
As deputies escorted Victoria away, she finally turned.
"Nathan..."
He looked at her.
"I loved you."
Nathan answered quietly.
"You loved control."
"You never loved us."
She disappeared through the courtroom doors without another word.
Outside, reporters shouted questions.
Nathan ignored every microphone.
Instead, he knelt beside Emma.
"It's over."
She searched his face.
"For real?"
Nathan smiled softly.
"For real."
May you like
For the first time in over a year...
she believed him.
