Chapter 11 - The Verdict
Julian was convicted on multiple counts related to fraud, bribery, and obstruction.
The assault case produced a separate conviction.
Celeste pleaded guilty to financial offenses connected to laundering part of the proceeds.
Victoria received a reduced sentence after cooperating.
Elena expected to feel triumphant.
She didn’t.
Outside the courthouse, reporters surrounded her.
She gave only one statement.
“I hope people understand that telling the truth is not the same thing as destroying someone. Sometimes the truth simply reveals what was already there.”
Then she left.
Daniel was waiting across the street.
No flowers.
No dramatic speech.
Just coffee.
“You look exhausted.”
“I am.”
“Want to disappear for an hour?”
Elena smiled.
“Where?”
“There’s a terrible diner three blocks away.”
“How terrible?”
“The coffee may qualify as a felony.”
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For the first time in months, Elena laughed.
And that laugh mattered more than the verdict.
