Chapter 9 - The VerdictThe criminal trial lasted two intense weeks. The prosecution charged Ethan Vance with aggravated assault, domestic battery, grand larceny, corporate embezzlement, and felony perjury.
The defense tried desperately to paint Mark as an overbearing father who had fabricated the entire conflict to destroy a young marriage. But their defense collapsed when Maya took the stand.
Dressed in a sharp dark suit, Maya spoke clearly and confidently. She detailed the months of intimidation, the financial coercion, and the terror of that night in the mansion. Supported by the undeniable video evidence and financial records, her testimony was bulletproof.
When the jury retired to deliberate, it took them less than two hours to reach a decision.
May you like
The courtroom was dead quiet as the foreperson stood up.
"On the charge of Aggravated Assault, we find the defendant, Ethan Vance, Guilty. On the charge of Domestic Battery, Guilty. On the charge of Grand Larceny, Guilty. On the charge of Felony Perjury, Guilty."
