Chapter 16 - VICTOR’S SENTENCE
Victor pleaded guilty to racketeering, illegal shipping, bribery, and conspiracy.
His cooperation dismantled several violent networks.
It also exposed crimes committed under his command.
The prosecutor acknowledged that he saved Ethan at the pier and surrendered the ledger voluntarily.
The judge acknowledged something else.
“Protecting your child does not erase the fathers whose children were harmed by your organization.”
Victor lowered his eyes.
“I understand.”
Lily attended with Ethan.
She did not bring the child into the courtroom.
Cole waited with him in a private family room.
Victor was sentenced to several years in federal custody.
It was less than he expected.
More than some supporters believed he deserved.
Lily thought it was honest.
Before officers took him away, Victor was allowed five minutes with Ethan.
The toddler stood unsteadily beside a chair.
His healed arm moved normally.
Victor knelt.
“Papa has to go somewhere.”
Ethan touched his face.
Victor struggled to continue.
“Lily will keep you safe.”
Lily stood near the doorway.
Victor looked at her.
“You do not have to promise me forever.”
“I already accepted the guardianship.”
His eyes filled with relief.
“I know.”
“I mean you do not have to build your life around my mistakes.”
“I am building it around Ethan.”
Victor nodded.
“That is better.”
Ethan began crying when officers entered.
Victor held him one final time.
Then he placed him in Lily’s arms.
He did not order her to be strong.
He did not tell Ethan that men never cried.
He allowed the moment to hurt.
When he was gone, Lily carried Ethan outside.
Reporters waited behind barriers.
They shouted questions about the Blackwood fortune.
Lily ignored them.
She entered an ordinary car driven by Cole.
The mansion had already been sold.
The criminal assets had been seized.
The legitimate properties remained inside Ethan’s protected trust.
Lily chose a smaller home near the lake.
No armed men stood at the gates.
No marble foyer stretched between rooms.
May you like
Ethan slept with his nursery door open.
For the first time, the child lived somewhere that did not resemble a kingdom.
