On the day the verdict came down, I didn't go to court.
His lawyer sent me a message. Victor, on charges of corporate fraud and capital diversion, sentenced on multiple federal counts, given a 10-year federal sentence. Lily, on charges of fraud, forgery of medical documents, and illegal transfer of assets, given eight years.
I heard that when the bailiff brought the gavel down, Victor kept turning around. The public gallery was packed with reporters, creditors, and old friends. The only person missing was me.
He gripped the back of the bench and refused to let go, fingernails splintering, blood smearing into the wood. "Where's Stella? Is she outside? Let her come see me. I'll plead guilty. I'll plead to anything."
The Bailiff tried to pry his hands loose. His lawyer told him quietly, "
