Chapter 9 - The Final Audio.
The trial resumed after lunch, and the prosecution announced that they had one final, absolute piece of undeniable evidence to present.
David took the witness stand, carrying a small, encrypted USB drive that he handed directly to the presiding judge.
"Your Honor, we recovered this deleted audio file from the mercenary who tried to murder Elena at the Carter estate," David testified calmly.
Arthur Vance immediately jumped up from his chair, his face turning completely red with panic.
"Objection! This evidence was not submitted during discovery, this is a complete ambush!" the lawyer shouted desperately.
The judge slammed his wooden gavel loudly, silencing the frantic defense attorney instantly.
"The evidence is directly related to a newly discovered assassination attempt on a star witness, and I will allow it," the judge ruled firmly.
The prosecution plugged the drive into the court's audio system, and a crystal clear voice suddenly echoed through the silent courtroom.
It was a recording of a secret phone call between Victoria and her mother, Eleanor, completely outlining their murderous conspiracy.
"Richard changed the policies, Mother. As soon as I drop the baby, I will tell the police it was a tragic accident," Victoria's cold voice played over the speakers.
"Make sure you cry perfectly for the cameras, darling. Once the child is gone, we will slowly poison Mark and take the entire company," Eleanor's wicked voice replied.
A collective, horrifying gasp erupted from the entire jury, and the reporters frantically began typing on their keyboards.
Victoria completely collapsed into her chair, burying her face in her hands as she finally realized her luxurious life was entirely over.
Eleanor tried to run out of the courtroom, pushing through the heavy wooden doors to escape the absolute humiliation.
But two federal agents were already waiting in the hallway, instantly placing the screaming, wealthy socialite into heavy steel handcuffs.
"Eleanor Hastings, you are under arrest for conspiracy to commit murder and hiring a dangerous contract killer," the agent declared loudly.
Arthur Vance slowly sat down, packing up his expensive leather briefcase and completely abandoning his guilty client.
The jury did not even need to deliberate for more than twenty short minutes.
They returned to the courtroom and delivered a completely unanimous, undeniable verdict.
Victoria was found guilty on every single charge, including attempted murder, massive financial fraud, and conspiracy.
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The judge immediately sentenced her to life in a maximum-security federal prison without the possibility of parole.
Justice had finally, completely prevailed over their wicked greed.
