Chapter 19 - The Fall of the Empire
Three weeks later.
The federal trial of Arthur Sterling, Margaret Westwood, Madison Cole, and Caleb Westwood concluded in downtown Chicago.
The overwhelming physical evidence, coupled with the letters and transaction logs, left no room for defense.
Arthur Sterling was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
Madison Cole received forty years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit murder and grand larceny.
Margaret Westwood was sentenced to thirty years in a high-security facility for her direct role in Claire’s death.
Caleb Westwood received fifteen years after agreeing to cooperate fully with federal prosecutors.
The Westwood estate was quiet once again.
Adrian liquidated fifty percent of his personal shares in Westwood Global, donating over twenty million dollars to establish the Claire Westwood Memorial Shelter for Women and Children.
He appointed Natalie as the co-director of the foundation.
On a clear, breezy afternoon, Adrian stood beside Claire’s grave in the quiet hillside cemetery overlooking Lake Michigan.
He placed a bouquet of fresh white roses against the polished granite stone.
"We did it, Claire," Adrian whispered softly into the gentle wind.
"The truth is out."
"You are safe now."
He felt a soft tug on his coat sleeve.
He looked down.
Emma was standing beside him, wearing a dark blue dress and holding her rabbit.
"Is the lady in heaven now, sir?" Emma asked innocently.
Adrian crouched down and wrapped an arm around the child's shoulders.
"Yes, Emma," Adrian smiled softly through warm tears.
May you like
"She is in heaven."
"And she’s thanking you for being so brave."
