Chapter 17 - The Fall of the UsurpersThe jury deliberated for less than two hours.
When the courtroom reconvened, the foreperson stood and delivered the verdicts: Guilty on all counts of conspiracy to commit murder, second-degree murder in the death of Clara Montgomery, attempted murder of a minor, and corporate fraud.
Judge Eleanor Sterling addressed the defendants before delivering the sentence.
"Julian Montgomery, Beatrice Montgomery," the judge said, her voice echoing off the high mahogany walls. "You allowed greed to poison your humanity. You hunted a mother into poverty and sought to eliminate a innocent child to secure a fortune that was never yours to claim."
Julian was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Beatrice, given her advanced age and secondary role in the physical execution of the crimes, received thirty-five years in a maximum-security federal facility—a sentence that ensured she would spend the rest of her days behind bars.
As the bailiffs led the handcuffed pair away through the side doors, Beatrice turned to look at Arthur one last time, her eyes filled with tears of regret. But Arthur did not look at her. He placed his warm hand on Lily’s shoulder, turning their backs on the dark chapter forever.
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Outside the courthouse steps, amidst a sea of flashing cameras, Arthur addressed the gathered press.
"Today, justice was served for my daughter, Clara," Arthur declared, his voice rich with emotion. "And today, the Montgomery empire returns to its rightful lineage."
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