Chapter 5 - The Fall of the Vances
News of the arrest broke across the city like a wildfire.
Nora’s video, which had been submitted as evidence, somehow leaked to local media outlets. The public outrage was immediate and overwhelming. Protesters gathered outside the local real estate office owned by Raul, demanding justice for domestic abuse victims. Within forty-eight hours, Raul’s business partners severed all ties, leaving his life's work bankrupt.
Helena, unable to stomach the shame of being branded a monster by the public, broke down in interrogation. She confessed to everything—not out of remorse, but in a desperate bid to secure a plea deal for herself. She threw her own son under the bus, testifying that Victor had always had an uncontrollable temper and that she had only laughed out of fear.
The betrayal shattered Victor completely in his holding cell.
Six weeks after that horrific morning, I sat in Victoria’s high-rise law office over a cup of warm tea.
The bank has recovered eighty percent of your father's stolen trust fund, Victoria announced, sliding a stack of signed legal documents across the mahogany table. Raul was forced to liquidate his personal properties to cover the restitution fees. And Victor... Victor signed the divorce papers without contesting a single clause. He surrendered all parental rights.
I touched the smooth paper of the divorce decree. For the first time in three years, I was free.
He faces twelve to fifteen years in state prison, Victoria added. His parents are looking at three to five for conspiracy and complicity. They will never hurt you again, Sarah.
May you like
I looked out the window at the city skyline. The heavy gray clouds of winter were finally breaking, letting pale morning sunlight wash over the glass.
I felt a strong, healthy kick against my palm. My baby was growing stronger every day, completely unaware of the darkness we had escaped, safe in the light of the future we were going to build.
