Chapter 15 - The Verdict
The jury deliberated for four days.
Arthur had already pleaded guilty.
Grant Mercer had accepted a federal agreement.
Natalie pleaded guilty to conspiracy and falsifying corporate communications.
Victoria stood alone at the defense table when the verdict was read.
Guilty of bank fraud.
Guilty of conspiracy.
Guilty of attempted theft.
Guilty of perjury.
Guilty of financial exploitation.
Guilty of obstruction.
Her expression did not break until the judge revoked bail.
She turned toward me.
“You destroyed this family.”
The courtroom froze.
I answered before her attorney could stop her.
“No. I stopped you from destroying another one.”
Victoria received a lengthy federal sentence.
Arthur received less because of cooperation, but enough that Sophie would be an adult before he completed all supervision requirements.
Mercer lost his law license and went to prison.
Natalie surrendered the condominium and other assets.
Margaret recovered part of her estate.
Other former victims filed claims.
Vance Holdings entered bankruptcy.
Its remaining properties were sold.
The company name disappeared from office towers, investment brochures, and charity banners.
The criminal court could punish fraud.
It could not repair everything.
Employees lost jobs.
Investors lost money.
Families learned that people they trusted had been lying for years.
I created a recovery fund for lower-level employees who had no role in the crimes.
Some people criticized me.
They said I was using wealth to improve my image.
Perhaps any public act can be interpreted cynically.
I did it anyway.
Children still needed parents with jobs.
People should not suffer because executives stole.
Arthur wrote me after sentencing.
I am sorry.
The letter continued for six pages.
I read only the first line.
Then I placed it in a box for Sophie.
One day, when she was old enough, she could decide whether to read it.
May you like
His relationship with her would not be defined by my anger.
But it would not be built on lies either.
