Chapter 8: The Verdict and the Surge
The jury was sent to deliberate, but the tension was remarkably short-lived. In less than four hours, they signaled they had reached a verdict.
"We find the defendant guilty on all charges, including attempted murder in the second degree and grand larceny," the foreman read aloud, his voice echoing in the silent, wood-paneled room.
Eleanor let out a sharp, breathless wail and collapsed into her chair. But as Sarah watched the woman who had tormented her face justice, she felt no anger or pity—only a profound, cleansing sense of closure.
As the bailiff approached Eleanor with heavy steel handcuffs, Julian wrapped his arm protectively around Sarah's waist. "It's finally over," he whispered, pressing a kiss against her temple. "She can never cast a shadow on us again."
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Sarah smiled up at him, a deep sense of peace washing over her. But as she stood up to leave, a sudden, sharp tightening seized her lower abdomen, entirely different from the phantom pains of her trauma. She gasped, gripping Julian's forearm.
"Take me home," Sarah breathed through a sudden, bright smile. "Actually... no. Take me to the hospital. Right now."
