Chapter 12 – The Trial
The courtroom overflowed with reporters, shareholders, and members of the public.
Celeste Vale entered wearing a tailored gray suit, but the confidence she once carried was gone.
The prosecution presented Clara's journals, Samuel's evidence, financial records, and the forged documents that had stolen the Lancaster shares.
One witness after another testified.
Former employees admitted they had accepted bribes.
A handwriting expert confirmed Clara's signature had been forged.
Finally, Bianca took the stand.
She looked directly at her mother.
"My mother taught me that power was everything."
She paused.
"I was wrong for believing her."
The courtroom remained silent.
When asked why she had come forward, Bianca answered simply,
"Because an innocent woman lost her life, and a little girl lost her childhood."
Celeste never looked at her daughter again.
After six hours of deliberation, the jury returned.
"Guilty."
The judge sentenced Celeste to years in federal prison for fraud, conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and financial crimes.
As officers escorted her away, she glanced back once.
Bianca lowered her eyes.
May you like
Neither woman spoke.
Some endings required no words.
