Chapter 14 - FORTY YEARSThe judge delivered the sentence.
Forty years in federal custody.
No possibility of parole.
Eleanor listened without expression.
When the bailiff approached, she looked toward Victoria.
“You'll regret this.”
Victoria stood.
“No.”
Eleanor's eyes narrowed.
“You think you saved them.”
“I did.”
“You think they'll love you forever.”
Victoria paused.
Then answered:
“They don't have to.”
Eleanor frowned.
“What?”
“I don't need people to worship me.”
Victoria looked toward Mia.
“That's the difference.”
Eleanor was led away.
The courtroom doors closed behind her.
And with that sound, the Vance dynasty ended.
Not with an explosion.
May you like
Not with a gunshot.
But with a quiet closing door.
Related Stories
Chapter 15 - THE SANCTUARYVictoria refused to sell the estate.
Chapter 16 - AURORAMia gave birth to a daughter.
Chapter 17 - THE FIRST ANNIVERSARYOne year later, the Sanctuary held its first anniversary celebration.
Chapter 18 - THE LETTER FROM PRISONMonths later, Victoria received a letter.
Chapter 19 - THE LEGACYThey gathered that night in the old study.
Chapter 20 - DAWNThe following morning, Victoria stood alone on the terrace.
