Six weeks later, the bright morning light streamed through the tall windows of the downtown district courtroom. The room was packed with reporters, city officials, and members of the Vance family company. Everyone was waiting for the final verdict in the case that had shocked the entire state.
Jessica sat at the defense table wearing a simple grey jail jumpsuit, her bright red dress long gone. Her hair was pulled back loosely, and her face looked pale without any makeup. Beside her sat her high-priced defense attorney, who looked nervous as he shuffled through thick stacks of paper.
Across the room, Marcus sat next to Hannah in the front row. Hannah's hand was still wrapped in a neat bandage, but her skin had regained its healthy color. She looked calm and strong as she held her husband's hand under the wooden desk.
Judge Vance: Order in the court! We are ready to review the final piece of evidence submitted by the prosecution.
Prosecutor: Your Honor, we present the high-definition security footage and the verified original copy of the Vance estate last will and testament.
The prosecutor clicked a remote control, and the large video screen on the wall lit up. The entire courtroom watched in absolute silence as the clear video played from start to finish. Everyone saw Jessica press her heel into Hannah's arm, and everyone heard her clear threats booming through the room's speakers.
Defense Attorney: Your Honor! We argue that this video was taken without my client's explicit consent and should be thrown out!
Judge Vance: Overruled! Security cameras installed in a main entryway for safety purposes are fully legal, especially when a violent crime takes place.
The prosecutor then held up the yellowed paper with the red wax seal, walking over to show it directly to the judge and the jury box.
Prosecutor: Furthermore, forensic document examiners have confirmed that the power of attorney papers filed by the defendant were complete forgeries. The genuine will leaves full ownership of the estate and Vance Global to Hannah Vance.
Jessica jumped up from her chair, slamming her fists down on the wooden table despite her handcuffs clicking together loudly.
Jessica: It's a lie! They paid off the experts! That money belongs to me!
Judge Vance: Silence in the court! Sit down, Ms. Vance, or I will have you removed!
Her lawyer quickly pulled her back down into her chair, whispering frantically into her ear. But it was far too late for any excuses. The evidence was overwhelming, and there was no way out for her.
The jury left the room to deliberate, but they returned in less than forty minutes. The head juror stood up and read the final decision in a loud, clear voice.
Jury Foreman: On the charge of aggravated assault, we find the defendant guilty. On the charge of grand theft and corporate fraud, we find the defendant guilty.
A loud murmur ran through the crowded courtroom. Jessica dropped her head onto her arms, sobbing uncontrollably as the judge knocked his wooden gavel down three times.
Judge Vance: Jessica Vance, you are sentenced to fifteen years in state prison without the possibility of early parole. Court is adjourned.