LAW SHADOWS

CHAPTER 17

Amelia's POV

"Case number 202," the judge began, his voice carrying a solemn weight. "This case has taken many unexpected turns and has ultimately led us to the defendant, Victoria." He paused, glancing at the courtroom. "The verdict is as follows."

The room was silent, holding its breath in anticipation as the judge's words hung in the air. He'd taken a long fifteen minutes to deliberate, each second feeling like an eternity.

"Defendant Victoria clearly manipulated her sister, Agnes, and murdered her stepson, Williams. Furthermore, she attempted to shift the blame onto her brother, Anderson, in order to remove him from her plans and achieve her own selfish goals. This is a grievous offense, and it is inevitable that a heavy sentence shall be imposed."

A pang of sorrow hit me. Williams had trusted his aunt, even loved her, yet she'd seen him as nothing more than an obstacle. The betrayal cut deep, and I could feel the weight of it settling over the entire room.

"As for all evidence submitted during this trial," the judge continued, "each piece has been deemed valid and accepted. As for Agnes—while she did not commit the murder herself, she is nonetheless complicit, as her actions served to support the murderer in her scheme. This court has taken all of these factors into careful consideration and shall now rule as follows."

This was it—the moment we'd been waiting for since the day Williams died, longing to see his killer brought to justice. I glanced at Edward beside me, his face tight with anguish, his father John's expression equally devastated. The weight of loss and betrayal was etched across their faces, and I felt a rush of helplessness. I wished there were something I could do to ease their pain, to take even a fraction of the burden off their shoulders.

The judge's voice broke through my thoughts. "This court finds the defendant, Victoria, guilty."

A ripple of relief spread through the courtroom, but it was tinged with the bittersweet truth that justice would never truly bring Williams back. Victoria's smirk had vanished; Both her and Agnes was pale, their eyes darting frantically, finally realizing the consequences of their actions.

The judge continued, his tone unwavering. "Victoria shall face a sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, given the calculated and heinous nature of her crimes. This court does not take such a decision lightly. As for Agnes, her involvement as an accomplice is not without consequence. Agnes shall serve ten years for her role in the concealment and misdirection surrounding the murder."

There was a heavy silence as the reality of the sentences settled over the courtroom. Victoria's eyes filled with rage as the officers moved to restrain her. She turned, her gaze filled with venom as she looked back at Agnes, whose expression was one of defeat. They'd both fallen, each a victim of their own ambition and deception.

I glanced back at Edward and Mr. John. A part of their hearts was still shattered, but a glimmer of relief softened their pain. Justice had been served, though nothing would ever truly replace Williams or undo the damage that had been done.

As Victoria was led out of the courtroom, her haughty demeanor broken, I couldn't help but think about the cost of her actions. She'd played her game well, but it had been built on a foundation of betrayal and manipulation, and in the end, it had crumbled.

The judge looked around one last time. "This court is adjourned."

I took a deep breath, and as we all stood to leave, I found myself wishing that this verdict would finally bring peace to Williams' memory and help those he left behind to heal. But in my heart, I knew that healing would be a long and painful journey. At the very least, Williams' spirit could rest, and those of us who loved him could finally begin to find some closure.