Chapter 14 - EIGHTEEN MONTHS
Sadie expected anger.
Instead, she felt something surprising.
Nothing.
Trevor could serve eighteen years.
Or eighteen months.
He no longer controlled the shape of her life.
Roman didn't understand at first.
"He assaulted you."
"I know."
"He forged documents."
"I know."
"He used your identity."
"I know."
"And you're okay with this?"
"No."
Sadie looked at him.
"But I don't need his suffering to become my healing."
Roman went quiet.
Sadie continued.
"Grant gets life if the case holds."
"It will."
"Trevor testifies."
"Yes."
"Then let him."
Roman studied her.
"You've changed."
Sadie smiled.
"No."
She touched his hand.
"I'm finally the person I was before Trevor taught me to be afraid."
The trial became the biggest financial scandal in the city's history.
Arthur Grant was convicted of conspiracy, fraud, attempted kidnapping, attempted murder, obstruction, and multiple financial crimes.
Evidence surrounding Daniel Mercer's death reopened the case.
The recording proved Grant had sabotaged Daniel's car.
Twenty-seven years after Daniel died, his daughter sat in the courtroom and heard a judge formally name his killer.
Sadie cried quietly.
Helen held one hand.
Roman held the other.
Trevor testified for three days.
He admitted everything.
The fake relationship.
The stolen money.
The forged documents.
The fake marriage certificate.
The lies.
The intimidation.
When the prosecutor asked why he had kicked Sadie at the Galleria, Trevor looked toward her.
For once, there was no arrogance in his face.
"I thought she was still the person I remembered."
The prosecutor frowned.
"What person was that?"
Trevor swallowed.
"Someone who wouldn't fight back."
Sadie stared at him.
The prosecutor asked one final question.
"Were you wrong?"
Trevor looked directly at Sadie.
"Completely."
Months later, Trevor received twenty-two months.
Grant received life.
Arthur's network collapsed.
Millions were recovered.
Executives resigned.
Investigations spread across three states.
But Sadie's favorite moment happened outside the courthouse.
Reporters surrounded her.
"Mrs. Vale!"
"Sadie!"
"How does it feel knowing Trevor is going to prison?"
"Do you feel vindicated?"
"Do you hate him?"
Sadie stopped.
Roman stood several steps behind her.
He didn't answer for her.
He never did.
Sadie looked at the cameras.
"No."
The reporters quieted.
"I don't hate Trevor."
Someone asked, "Why not?"
Sadie thought about it.
"Because hate is expensive."
She smiled faintly.
"And I've already spent enough of my life paying for that man."
She turned.
Roman offered his hand.
Sadie took it.
They walked away together.
But three months later, she returned to the Galleria.
May you like
Alone.
And she stood in exactly the same place where Trevor had kicked her to the floor.
