CHAPTER 14: The Trial
Six months later.
The high-profile trial of The State vs. Adrian Vale and Vanessa Reed dominated global news.
Vanessa was sentenced to twelve years in federal prison for conspiracy, corporate espionage, and financial fraud. It was revealed in court that she was never pregnant; it was merely a tactic to push Adrian into divorcing me and forcing a rapid asset liquidation.
Adrian pled guilty to all financial charges and physical assault. Given his full cooperation in dismantling the Apex Syndicate’s regional network, the judge sentenced him to eight years in a medium-security facility, alongside complete forfeiture of his personal assets.
On the final day of the trial, I stood outside the courthouse surrounded by reporters and cameras.
“Miss Laurent!” a reporter shouted, pushing a microphone into my face. “With Vale Enterprises liquidating and your father retiring, what is the future of Laurent Holdings?”
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I adjusted my jacket and looked directly into the camera lens.
“Laurent Holdings is no longer an investment firm,” I announced calmly. “As the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer, I am transitioning our capital entirely into corporate ethics oversight and victim protection funds. We will ensure that no executive uses power to abuse those around them ever again.”
