Chapter 9: The Last Trial
The courtroom was packed.
Reporters filled every seat.
The Montgomery scandal had become the biggest financial crime case New York had seen in years.
Victoria Montgomery sat at the defense table.
Still elegant.
Still composed.
But something was different.
She no longer looked powerful.
She looked alone.
Across the courtroom sat Emily.
Beside her were Olivia, Alexander, and Ethan.
Ethan had accepted responsibility.
He testified against his mother.
He admitted every moment he stayed silent.
Every time he chose fear over courage.
The prosecutor approached the witness stand.
“Mr. Montgomery, did your mother attempt to murder your wife?”
Ethan looked at Emily.
Then answered.
“Yes.”
The courtroom went silent.
“Did you help cover it up?”
His voice broke.
“Yes.”
The prosecutor nodded.
“No further questions.”
When Emily testified, Victoria watched her.
Waiting for anger.
Waiting for revenge.
But Emily gave her something worse.
The truth.
“I don’t want her destroyed because I hate her.”
Emily said.
“I want her held accountable because no one should have the power to do what she did.”
Victoria looked away.
For the first time…
she looked small.
The verdict came three days later.
Guilty.
Multiple charges.
Fraud.
Conspiracy.
Attempted murder.
Identity manipulation.
Financial crimes.
Victoria Montgomery lost everything.
Her company.
Her reputation.
Her freedom.
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But the biggest punishment came outside the courtroom.
Nobody believed her anymore.
