Chapter 9 - The Final Courtroom Execution
One month later.
The New York State Supreme Court was packed to the brim for the final criminal sentencing and trust confirmation hearing of The State of New York v. Victoria Vance.
Victoria sat at the defense table in orange state prison scrubs, her hands and feet chained. Beside her sat Evelyn, looking ten years older, her social prestige completely evaporated.
Across the aisle sat Lucas and Clara, holding hands, looking calm, united, and immaculate.
Judge Raymond Sterling struck his heavy gavel three times.
"In the matter of the Vance Family Living Trust," Judge Sterling declared, reviewing the thick stack of verified forensic evidence. "This court finds the video evidence of physical assault, emotional harassment, and criminal destruction of property to be absolute and unassailable."
The Judge looked down at Victoria with utter disgust.
"Furthermore, the defendant’s subsequent actions—including attempted arson, forgery, and embezzlement—demonstrate a severe danger to society," Judge Sterling continued. "Therefore, under the clear and binding terms of Section 12, Paragraph B of the late patriarchal trust, Victoria Vance’s entire $150 million inheritance is officially and permanently forfeited."
The gallery erupted into quiet murmurs of awe.
"The full sum of $150,000,000," the Judge pronounced, slamming his gavel, "is hereby transferred into the sole, unrestricted legal possession of Mrs. Clara Sterling Vance!"
Victoria slumped forward onto the defense table, letting out a loud, strangled wail of absolute defeat.
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"And for the criminal charges of assault, grand larceny, and attempted arson," Judge Sterling added sternly, "I sentence you to TWENTY YEARS in state custody without eligibility for parole!"
Evelyn buried her face in her hands, weeping bitterly as her daughter was led away in iron chains, dragged through the side doors into dark, permanent oblivion.
