Chapter 18
Six months later, the courtroom of the Federal District Court was packed to capacity. Flashbulbs popped outside, and reporters crowded the corridors, eager for the final chapter of the high-society scandal that had gripped the nation.
Inside, sitting at the defense table, Isabella Vance looked unrecognizable. Her skin was pale, stripped of color and sunlight. She wore a standard prison jumpsuit, her hands cuffed loosely to a waist chain. She stared straight ahead, refusing to look at the gallery behind her.
At the prosecution table sat Caroline Vance, flanked by Elias Thorne and a team of top-tier legal advisors. Caroline’s posture was regal, composed, and unshakeable. Around her neck, she wore no diamonds or emeralds—just her own unyielding strength.
"All rise for the Honorable Judge Thomas Sterling," the bailiff called out.
The courtroom rose as the senior judge entered, his black robes sweeping behind him as he took his seat. He adjusted his glasses, looking down at the massive stack of documents before him.
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"We are here for the sentencing in the case of United States v. Isabella Vance," Judge Sterling announced, his voice deep and solemn. "The defendant has been found guilty on all counts: conspiracy to commit premeditated murder, wire fraud, obstruction of justice, and corporate embezzlement."
Isabella clutched the edge of the table, her knuckles turning white, her breathing shallow and frantic.
