Chapter 17 - The Verdict
Darius was convicted of conspiracy, fraud, kidnapping, attempted murder, and charges connected to Catherine's death.
The jury convicted him of manslaughter rather than intentional murder.
The evidence proved he caused the fatal confrontation.
It did not prove he arrived intending to kill her.
Howard received a long sentence for conspiracy, attempted murder, obstruction, and financial crimes.
Marianne pleaded guilty and cooperated.
Peter Lane received a reduced sentence for testimony.
The doctor connected to Elena's death lost his license and was convicted of reckless homicide and fraud.
No verdict brought Elena or Catherine back.
Nolan understood that before anyone congratulated him.
Grant understood it too.
At sentencing, Darius looked at his brother.
"You chose strangers over blood."
Grant answered.
"No."
"I chose the truth over blood."
That was different.
After court, reporters surrounded Nolan.
"Are you the man who saved Avery?"
He shook his head.
"I sat down."
"That's all?"
"That's what she needed then."
The quote went viral.
Nolan hated that too.
But it changed how people told the story.
Not janitor fixes billionaire child.
Not poor man teaches rich father love.
A frightened kid communicated.
May you like
One adult finally stopped trying to control the communication.
