Chapter 6 - The Trial That Divided the Sterling FamilyVictor's trial became a national spectacle.
Financial theft.
Conspiracy.
Daniel's death.
The prosecution avoided sensational claims.
They didn't need them.
Messages.
Payments.
Briggs's testimony.
Brake analysis.
Daniel's recordings.
Victor testified.
Bad decision.
His attorney asked:
“Did you want your brother dead?”
“No.”
“Did you love him?”
“Yes.”
“Then why pay Nolan Briggs?”
“To delay him.”
“How?”
“I didn't ask.”
The prosecutor stood.
“That was convenient.”
Victor's attorney objected.
Overruled.
The prosecutor showed the message:
I don't care how. He cannot get to Monday.
“What did ‘how’ include?”
Victor stared.
“I didn't know.”
“Did you want to know?”
“No.”
“Why?”
Silence.
“Because if you didn't know, you could tell yourself you weren't responsible?”
Victor looked toward Eleanor.
She sat behind him.
For the first time, Elena saw something break between mother and son.
Victor had spent his entire life believing Eleanor would protect him.
Now Eleanor needed to protect herself.
She testified under immunity on limited financial issues.
Not immunity for everything.
The prosecutor asked:
“Did Daniel tell you he planned to report Victor?”
“Yes.”
“What did you do?”
“I asked him to wait.”
“Why?”
“The company was negotiating a major acquisition.”
“And your son's allegation could damage it?”
“Yes.”
“What mattered more?”
Eleanor's lips trembled.
“At the time?”
“Yes.”
She stared at the floor.
“The company.”
Elena closed her eyes.
At least the truth had finally arrived.
Victor was convicted of conspiracy resulting in Daniel's death, fraud and related offenses.
He received decades in prison.
Briggs received a substantial sentence after cooperation.
Eleanor later pleaded guilty to obstruction and financial crimes.
Because of age and health, her sentence included a shorter custodial term followed by home confinement.
People online called it too lenient.
Elena did not comment.
May you like
Punishment was no longer her life's center.
Leo was.
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