The courtroom was silent as the judge's gavel echoed through the room. Adrian sat in the gallery, his hands clasped tightly in his lap. Every muscle in his body was tense as he awaited the verdict. Beside him, Abby leaned forward, her expression a mixture of anger and satisfaction.
"Emily Cross and Marcus Taylor," the judge began, his voice calm but firm, "you have been found guilty of kidnapping and the attempted murder of Bianca Moore. In light of the evidence presented and the severity of your crimes, you are hereby sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole."
Gasps rippled through the courtroom, followed by murmurs of approval. Adrian exhaled deeply, his shoulders sagging in relief. Justice had been served. He glanced toward Emily, who was being led away in handcuffs. Her face was pale, her eyes dull. There was no fight left in her.
