Chapter 395
Chapter 395:
In the car, she finally spoke. “I should feel something, shouldn’t I?”
Alexander studied her face. “What do you think you should feel?”
“I don’t know. Relief? Joy? Something other than…” She gestured helplessly at her chest. “This emptiness.”
“What Rose did to you can’t be undone by a verdict,” Alexander said quietly. “No matter how many times the word ‘guilty’ is spoken.”
Camille turned to look out the window as the car pulled away from the courthouse. Cameras flashed outside, capturing the moment for tomorrow’s headlines. Another chapter in the story the public couldn’t get enough of—the sister who rose from the ashes, the sister who burned in her own hatred.
“I spent so long waiting for this,” Camille said. “First with Victoria, planning our revenge. Then with the prosecutors, building the case. Now it’s done, and I feel… nothing.”
Alexander reached for her hand. “Maybe that’s progress.”
“How is feeling nothing progress?”
“Because revenge consumes. Justice just is.”
The words stayed with Camille through the evening, through dinner at Alexander’s penthouse where they spoke of other things, through the quiet hours before sleep. Justice just is.
Morning came too quickly. Another dark suit, another car ride to the courthouse, another walk through the gauntlet of cameras and shouted questions.
This time, Camille sat in the front row. She wanted Rose to see her, to know she wasn’t hiding.
Rose entered, looking different than the day before. Gone was the modest navy dress, replaced by a red designer outfit that somehow didn’t look out of place despite her circumstances. Her hair hung loose around her shoulders, and she had managed to apply makeup that made her look both innocent and striking. Always performing, Camille thought. Always wearing the mask she thinks will serve her best.
Judge Hamilton wasted no time. After reviewing the jury’s findings, she addressed Rose directly.
“Ms. Lewis, before I pronounce sentence, you have the right to make a statement to the court. Do you wish to do so?”
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Rose stood smoothly, turning slightly so her profile was visible to the gallery and the cameras. “Yes, Your Honor.” The courtroom fell silent.
“I stand before you today,” Rose began, her voice clear and steady, “convicted of crimes that were motivated by a desire to correct a great injustice.” Murmurs rippled through the audience. Her lawyer closed his eyes briefly, as if pained. This was clearly not the statement he had advised.
“My sister,” Rose continued, her gaze never moving toward Camille, “has always had advantages I was denied. Born to privilege while I was rescued from foster care. Treated as the golden child while I was the charity case.”
Judge Hamilton leaned forward. “Ms. Lewis, if this is an attempt to justify your actions…”
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