Chapter 19
Judge Sterling opened the central folder, his eyes scanning the victim impact statements submitted by Caroline, as well as the comprehensive federal investigative reports compiled by Elias Thorne.
"The court has reviewed the evidence, the audio transcripts, and the chilling premeditation behind this heinous crime," Judge Sterling continued, his voice ringing through the silent courtroom. "The defendant attempted to erase her own sister’s life out of unbridled greed, vanity, and a desire for unchecked power. Crimes born of such calculated malice tear at the very fabric of our legal and moral society."
Isabella squeezed her eyes shut, a pathetic, muffled sob escaping her lips. "Please..." she whimpered under her breath. "Please..."
"Isabella Vance," Judge Sterling said, his gavel hovering over the wooden block. "For the crimes of conspiracy and attempted murder in the first degree, I sentence you to life in a federal penitentiary, without the possibility of parole for the first twenty-five years."
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Bang!
The sharp, definitive crack of the gavel echoed through the courtroom like a gunshot. It was the final sound of Isabella's fabricated empire collapsing into dust.
