Chapter 16
Chapter 16: The Verdict
Two weeks later, the courtroom was packed to maximum capacity for the sentencing.
The judge, a stern woman with zero tolerance for white-collar crime, looked down from her elevated bench at the two defendants.
"This court has presided over many cases of financial fraud," the judge said, her voice ringing with absolute finality. "But rarely have I seen a case so devoid of basic human decency. You did not just steal millions from investors. You conspired to systematically destroy the sanity, the reputation, and the life of an innocent woman simply because you viewed her as disposable."
The judge turned her gaze to Alonso.
"Alonso Ibarra. Due to your cooperation with the prosecution, your sentence has been reduced. However, your actions remain reprehensible. I sentence you to twelve years in a federal penitentiary, without the possibility of early parole."
Alonso collapsed forward onto the defense table, sobbing uncontrollably.
The judge then turned to the matriarch.
"Evangelina de Ibarra. You were the architect of this malicious scheme. You displayed no remorse, only anger that you were caught. I sentence you to twenty-five years in a maximum-security federal penitentiary. Furthermore, all of your remaining assets, including your properties, will be seized to provide restitution to the victims."
Twenty-five years. For a woman of her age, it was a life sentence. She would die in a concrete cell.
Evangelina stood frozen. The reality of her total destruction finally pierced through her monumental ego. As the bailiffs moved in to escort her away, she turned around and looked directly at Renata in the front row.
May you like
There was no more anger in Evangelina’s eyes. Only absolute, terrifying despair.
Renata didn't smile. She didn't gloat. She simply gave a slow, deliberate nod of her head—an acknowledgment of victory. Then, she turned her back on the Ibarra family for the very last time and walked out of the courtroom doors into the fresh air.
