Chapter 16 - THE SENTENCE BENEATH THE CHANDELIER
Victor received life imprisonment without parole for Arthur’s murder.
Additional sentences were imposed for Elena’s confinement, Lily’s psychological abuse, and financial crimes.
Judge Kline received eighteen years.
Dominic Vale received twelve after cooperation.
Monica received eight.
Several security guards received shorter sentences depending on their involvement.
The physician who signed Arthur’s death certificate lost his license and entered federal custody.
At sentencing, Victor asked to speak.
He looked toward Elena.
“I kept this family alive.”
She did not answer.
He continued.
“Father would have destroyed everything over accounting irregularities.”
“The company employed twelve thousand people.”
“I protected them.”
The judge interrupted.
“You murdered your father and imprisoned your sister to conceal theft.”
Victor’s expression hardened.
“History will understand.”
Elena finally spoke from the gallery.
“No.”
“History will have the ledger.”
Victor turned toward her.
For years, he had controlled the documents, witnesses, property, and family story.
Now the records belonged to the court.
At the Whitmore estate, the crystal chandelier remained hanging above the marble hall.
The fire had damaged the east wing but spared the foyer.
Elena returned one final time before deciding what to do with the property.
She stood above the hidden floor panel.
The entrance remained open.
Ethan held Lily’s hand nearby.
“What do you want?” he asked.
Elena looked toward the dark staircase.
“Light.”
Architects removed the marble section.
They widened the opening.
May you like
They demolished the steel door.
The underground chamber would never be sealed again.
