Chapter 13 - THE VERDICT
The jury deliberated for eleven hours.
Elena waited in a private room with Noah.
He colored pictures at a small table.
Adrian paced.
Finally, the bailiff entered.
“They’re ready.”
Everyone returned to the courtroom.
Vanessa stood beside her attorneys.
For the first time since Elena had known her, she looked small.
The verdicts came one after another.
Guilty.
Guilty.
Guilty.
Conspiracy.
Fraud.
Kidnapping.
Attempted murder.
Evidence tampering.
Vanessa showed no emotion until the judge ordered her remanded into custody.
Then she turned toward Adrian.
“You’ll regret choosing her.”
Adrian did not answer.
Vanessa looked at Elena.
“You think you won?”
Elena stood.
“No.”
Vanessa smiled bitterly.
Elena continued.
“Noah won.”
That erased Vanessa’s smile.
“You made this about Adrian’s money.”
“His name.”
“His inheritance.”
“His power.”
“But Noah was never an asset.”
“He was a child.”
“My child.”
“Our child.”
Elena looked at Adrian.
“And he gets to grow up knowing the truth.”
Vanessa was led away.
Noah waited outside.
When Elena emerged, he ran toward her.
“Mommy!”
This time Elena did not flinch.
May you like
She opened her arms.
And caught him.
