Chapter 11 — The Day of Justice
Chapter 11 — The Day of Justice
Three months later.
The Municipal Superior Courtroom was packed with reporters, corporate lawyers, and members of the press.
Jasper Lawson sat at the defense table, wearing a plain black suit. Beside him sat a court-appointed public defender; he could no longer afford private counsel.
Across the room sat Hailey Robertson, flanked by Arthur Vance and her father. She wore a tailored cream blazer, her posture composed, regal, and composed.
The judge slammed his gavel down, bringing the room to immediate silence.
"We are here for final judgment and sentencing in the matter of the State v. Jasper Lawson, as well as the final decree of divorce in Robertson v. Lawson," the judge announced.
He looked down at the thick stack of documents on his bench.
"Regarding the civil proceeding," the judge stated, "the court finds overwhelming evidence of gross marital neglect, financial abuse, and abandonment. The prenuptial agreement executed by the parties is hereby enforced in full. The marriage between Hailey Robertson and Jasper Lawson is officially dissolved."
The judge looked directly at Jasper. "Full legal and physical custody of the minor child, Toby Robertson, is awarded exclusively to the mother, Hailey Robertson. The defendant is granted zero visitation rights, pending psychological evaluation and complete satisfaction of criminal restitution."
Jasper bowed his head, a single tear slipping down his cheek.
"Furthermore," the judge continued, his tone turning severe, "in the matter of corporate fraud, grand larceny, and tax evasion involving Lawson Technologies and Robertson Strategic Ventures, the defendant has pled guilty to all counts."
The courtroom fell dead silent.
"Jasper Lawson, you are hereby sentenced to six years in state custody, with eligibility for parole after four years. You are further ordered to pay full financial restitution in the amount of three point two million dollars."
Gillian and Priscilla, sitting in the back row of the gallery in plain, inexpensive clothes, burst into loud wails of despair.
Jasper didn't look back at them. As the court bailiffs stepped forward and placed heavy steel handcuffs around his wrists, Jasper looked across the courtroom one final time at Hailey.
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Hailey stood up, buttoning her jacket. She did not look at him with hatred or malice. She simply offered a quiet, respectful nod to the court, picked up her portfolio, and walked out of the courtroom into the bright afternoon sun.
Justice had been served. The chapter of pain was officially closed.
