Chapter 15 - SEBASTIAN’S CONFESSION
Sebastian’s trial began ten months later.
He faced charges involving fraud, attempted murder, kidnapping, evidence destruction, and Ava’s death.
The defense claimed the crash had been accidental.
Prosecutors played Maria’s recorded phone call.
“You hit her,” Maria had said.
“I touched the rear bumper,” Sebastian answered.
“She lost control.
An accident-reconstruction expert testified that Sebastian’s vehicle accelerated before striking Ava’s car.
He had not touched the bumper gently.
He had rammed it.
Denise testified.
The repair mechanic testified.
The forged-account specialist testified.
Then Ethan took the stand.
Sebastian’s attorney approached.
“You hated my client after discovering Ava’s letter.”
“Yes.”
“You stood to gain public sympathy by blaming him.”
“I lost billions in company value by releasing the evidence.”
“You also removed a rival.”
“I resigned.”
The attorney changed direction.
“Is it true Ava stole confidential documents?”
“She copied evidence of theft.”
“Documents owned by Harrington Industries.”
“Disaster funds did not belong to Harrington Industries.”
Sebastian watched Ethan with quiet hatred.
When his own turn came, he insisted Conrad had designed everything.
“I followed orders.”
“You were thirty,” the prosecutor said.
“My uncle controlled my career.”
“You controlled the vehicle.”
Sebastian became silent.
The prosecutor displayed Lily’s drawing of silver shoes near Ethan’s office.
“A three-year-old identified you.”
Sebastian laughed.
“That child ruined everything.”
The courtroom became still.
The prosecutor repeated the words.
“A child ruined everything?”
“She should not have been there.”
“Ethan should have died alone.”
Sebastian realized what he had said.
Too late.
The jury found him guilty on every major count.
During sentencing, Sebastian looked toward Ethan.
“You would have had nothing without the pain I gave you.”
Ethan answered quietly.
“I had Ava.”
“You helped take her.”
Sebastian received a sentence that ensured he would spend most of his life in prison.
May you like
Conrad could not be tried.
His name was removed from the tower.
