Chapter 7 - The Trial of the Decade
The courtroom was packed.
The media dubbed it the “Concrete Corruption Case,” but to me, it was just the final chapter of my old life.
Daniel sat at the defense table.
He had lost at least twenty pounds. His hair was thinning, his cheap suit hung loosely on his frame.
He didn't look like the confident, handsome man I had married. He looked broken.
Vanessa sat at a separate table. They weren't even looking at each other. The stress of impending prison time had destroyed whatever twisted "love" they claimed to have.
When it was my turn to take the stand as a witness for the prosecution, the courtroom fell dead silent.
The defense attorney tried to rattle me.
He tried to paint me as a scorned, hysterical wife seeking revenge.
“Isn't it true, Mrs. Hayes, that you orchestrated this entire investigation simply because you were jealous of my client's relationship with Miss Cole?” he sneered.
I adjusted the microphone. I looked directly at the jury.
“I didn't orchestrate his crimes,” I said calmly, my voice steady and clear. “I merely documented them. My husband chose to steal millions of dollars. He chose to bribe public officials. He chose to use his mistress's brother to launder money.”
I paused, letting my eyes drift to Daniel.
He couldn't even meet my gaze. He stared at his trembling hands.
“I was simply doing the math,” I continued. “And the numbers never lie.”
The jury deliberated for less than four hours.
Guilty on all counts.
Daniel was sentenced to eight years in federal prison for embezzlement, wire fraud, and bribery.
Vanessa received three years for her role in the money laundering scheme.
During the sentencing, Daniel finally looked at me.
He mouthed the words, “I'm sorry.”
I didn't smile. I didn't gloat. I just gave him a blank, indifferent stare, turned around, and walked out of the courtroom.
His apology meant nothing. It was too late, and I had a life to get back to.
Later that week, the family court finalized my divorce.
Because of Daniel’s felony convictions, I was awarded sole physical and legal custody of Noah.
Furthermore, to pay back the restitution he owed the company, all of Daniel’s remaining personal assets—including his equity in the house, his luxury cars, and his retirement accounts—were liquidated and transferred to me.
May you like
He had left me for a younger woman.
I left him with absolutely nothing.
