Chapter 10 - The TrialThe trial began months later.
The prosecution presented evidence piece by piece.
Bank records.
Emails.
Secret contracts.
Witness testimony.
The CFO testified against Preston.
Then Alivia took the stand.
The courtroom was silent.
She described the manipulation.
The financial deception.
The emotional abuse.
She never exaggerated.
She never screamed.
She simply told the truth.
Preston watched from across the courtroom.
For the first time, he looked small.
The jury returned its verdict.
Guilty.
On every major federal count.
Victoria was convicted as well.
Preston received a lengthy federal sentence.
Victoria received years behind bars.
The Sterling fortune was liquidated.
Millions were returned to damaged investors and workers.
When Alivia walked out of the courthouse, reporters surrounded her.
“How does it feel to destroy the Sterling empire?”
Alivia stopped.
“I didn't destroy it.”
She looked toward the courthouse doors.
May you like
“They did.”
Then she walked away.
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