Chapter 6 - Reckoning and Verdicts
The jury deliberated for less than four hours—a testament to the mountain of digital, forensic, and physical evidence stacked against the defendants.
When the judge requested the defendants to stand for the reading of the verdict, the courtroom fell dead silent.
"On the charge of attempted depraved-heart murder in the first degree regarding Dr. Elena Vance, how do you find the defendant, Preston Pierce?"
"Guilty," the jury foreman announced clearly.
"On the charges of aggravated medical battery, falsification of clinical trial data, and reckless endangerment of thirty-four additional patients?"
"Guilty on all counts."
Preston slumped into his chair, his eyes wide with shock. He turned to look at Elena, a desperate, pleading look in his eyes, but she did not give him the satisfaction of a reaction.
"On the charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, illegal human experimentation, and corporate bribery, regarding defendant Arthur Sterling?"
"Guilty on all counts."
Two months later, the sentencing hearing concluded. Preston Pierce was sentenced to forty-five years in a maximum-security federal penitentiary without the possibility of parole. Arthur Sterling received thirty years, and Khloe, having agreed to a plea bargain to testify against them, was sentenced to twelve years in state prison along with the permanent revocation of her medical license.
Outside the courthouse, dozens of reporters gathered around Elena as she descended the marble steps.
"Dr. Vance! Dr. Vance! How do you feel knowing Preston will spend the rest of his life in prison?" a reporter yelled, shoving a microphone forward.
Elena paused, looking into the sea of cameras.
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"Justice was served today for my son and for every woman whose voice was ignored in a hospital room," Elena said calmly. "My former husband tried to use his power to erase my truth. But medicine is meant to heal, not control. Today, the truth won."
She walked past the cameras, taking Marcus’s arm as they walked toward their waiting car, leaving the circus of the trial behind forever.
