Chapter 13 - The Trial of Vincent Hale
The trial began in a packed Manhattan courtroom. Reporters called it the fall of the Moretti empire. I called it the first time anyone had been forced to listen.
I testified about Dean's intimidation, the threatening notes, and the erased camera footage. Evelyn testified about the recordings. Luca admitted how Vincent had used his grief against him.
Adrian testified about the illegal conduct he had witnessed and the crimes he had committed. His voice did not shake when he acknowledged his responsibility.
Vincent's defense tried to portray me as an ambitious employee who had invented danger to gain Adrian's affection. I answered each question plainly.
"Why did you sleep outside his bedroom?" the attorney asked.
"Because I was afraid," I said. "And because I believed a powerful man would finally listen if he saw what fear had done to me."
The courtroom went quiet.
The jury convicted Vincent on multiple conspiracy, fraud, and obstruction counts. Other charges remained subject to separate proceedings. Dean also faced prosecution.
Outside, Adrian took my hand but said nothing for the cameras. He knew the verdict did not absolve him.
His own plea agreement required substantial restitution, a period of supervised restrictions, and continued cooperation. The exact sentence would be decided later.
I was proud he had told the truth. I was also frightened of the consequences.
That night I told him both things.
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"I don't need you to pretend this is simple," he said. "I need us to be able to say what's real."
For the first time, our future felt possible precisely because neither of us was pretending it would be easy.
