Chapter 10 - The Prisoner's Secret
Eleanor's trial began six months later.
The evidence was overwhelming.
Assault.
Financial fraud.
Racketeering.
Corporate conspiracy.
Witness intimidation.
The courtroom was packed.
Mia testified.
Her voice trembled at first.
Then it strengthened.
"I spent my entire life believing fear was the price of belonging."
She looked directly at Eleanor.
"But family isn't supposed to hurt you."
Eleanor remained expressionless.
Until the prosecutor mentioned Evelyn.
Then something changed.
Eleanor leaned toward her attorney.
"Tell them."
The attorney shook his head.
"No."
Eleanor whispered:
"Tell them what happened."
Victoria watched from the gallery.
She knew then.
Eleanor still had one final card.
The judge later sentenced her to forty years.
But before she was taken away, Eleanor turned toward Victoria.
"Ask Charles Mercer what happened on October 18."
Victoria's blood ran cold.
That was the day their mother disappeared.
Eleanor smiled.
May you like
Then the courtroom doors closed behind her.
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