Chapter 9 - Justice Delivered
Six months later, the criminal trial concluded at the Los Angeles Superior Court.
The courtroom was packed with media.
Ethan sat at the defense table in an orange prison jumpsuit, his head bowed. Beside him in a separate hearing, Evelyn sat in her own prison jumpsuit, her hair completely gray, looking like a broken shell of her former self.
Their legal defense had completely collapsed under the weight of bulletproof evidence:
High-definition security video of the physical assault.
Forensic medical records of my injuries.
Unassailable financial audits proving Evelyn’s $2 million embezzlement.
Corporate documents showing Ethan’s illegal attempts to hide company assets.
The judge slammed his gavel down, the heavy wood echoing through the courtroom.
"Ethan Montgomery," the judge stated sternly. "For the charges of felony domestic battery, assault, and corporate fraud, this court sentences you to seven years in state prison without the possibility of parole for the first four years."
Ethan slumped forward, burring his face in his hands, crying silently.
"Evelyn Montgomery," the judge continued, turning to the mother. "For the charges of grand larceny, tax evasion, felony wire fraud, and grand embezzlement, you are sentenced to ten years in federal custody, and ordered to pay $2.4 million in restitution."
Evelyn collapsed onto the table, shrieking in despair as bailiffs immediately pulled her up and began fitting her with heavy leg chains.
I sat in the front row of the gallery, flanked by Marcus.
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As they were led out through the side door toward the holding cells, Ethan looked back at me one last time. His eyes were filled with utter defeat, realization, and permanent regret.
I didn't smile. I didn't scowl. I simply watched them go, closing a dark chapter of my life forever.
