The day of sentencing.
The Criminal Division of the New York Supreme Court was packed to capacity.
Media cameras filled every corner of the gallery. Legal scholars, attorneys, and observers from across the country crowded the benches, notebooks ready, eyes fixed forward.
Outside the courtroom, the official livestream viewer count surged past thirty million, the comment feed racing faster than the court stenographer could type.
[It's finally happening!]
[This case will be written into law textbooks!]
[Lucas Carter—finish it.]
At precisely 9:00 a.m., the gavel struck.
The courtroom fell into absolute silence.
Judge Sullivan, robed in black, sat upright behind the bench. His gaze swept the room—measured, stern, unwavering.
At the defense table, Lucas Carter sat calmly, hands folded. Beside him, Lily straightened her posture, breath held tight.
In the defendant's seat, Ethan Walker trembled visibly. His hands clenched together as though anchoring himself to reality.
Across the aisle, in the prisoners' dock, Veronica Weiss, Ryan Cole, and others sat pale and hollow-eyed. Veronica's earlier composure was gone—what remained was resentment barely masked by fear.
"All rise."
The courtroom stood as one.
Judge Sullivan opened the thick verdict file and began reading, his voice steady and impartial.
"Upon full review, this court finds that the original conviction of Ethan Walker was based on incomplete fact-finding, unreliable testimony, and material violations of evidentiary procedure…"
He methodically reconstructed the case—
The consensual relationship.
The manipulated statements.
The coerced testimony.
The corrupted forensic chain.
The judicial misconduct exposed mid-trial.
Each finding was precise. Each conclusion irrefutable.
The livestream erupted.
[Every piece of Carter's evidence held up.]
[This judgment is airtight.]
[Here it comes…]
Lily's chest rose and fell rapidly. She didn't blink.
Judge Sullivan paused, then looked directly at Ethan Walker.
"This court hereby rules that the judgments rendered in the first and second instances are overturned."
His voice carried weight—final, authoritative.
"The defendant, Ethan Walker, is hereby found… not guilty."
For a fraction of a second, Ethan didn't react.
Then his knees buckled.
He collapsed to the floor, sobbing uncontrollably—months of fear, shame, and despair breaking loose all at once.
"I'm not… I'm not a criminal…"
"I didn't do it…"
Lily covered her mouth, tears streaming freely.
Lucas placed a steady hand on the table—quiet, grounding.
The livestream exploded.
[NOT GUILTY!!!]
[Justice exists!]
[Lucas Carter—legend.]
But the verdict was not finished.
Judge Sullivan's gaze shifted—cold, unyielding.
"Regarding the defendant Veronica Weiss."
Veronica stiffened.
"The court finds that Veronica Weiss knowingly fabricated facts, manipulated testimony, and conspired to falsely accuse another of a serious felony."
"Her conduct constitutes False Accusation, Extortion, and Conspiracy, under New York Penal Law."
"As the principal orchestrator, she bears full criminal responsibility."
Judge Sullivan did not hesitate.
"Veronica Weiss is sentenced to ten years' imprisonment."
Her face drained of color.
But the judge continued.
"Furthermore, based on supplemental evidence submitted post-trial—including audio recordings demonstrating prolonged psychological coercion and manipulation—this court finds the defendant to pose a high risk of reoffense."
"The court formally recommends maximum custodial supervision, with no eligibility for early release or parole."
The final blow landed.
"No—!" Veronica screamed, lunging forward. "You can't do this! I'm the victim! He ruined me!"
Bailiffs restrained her instantly. Steel cuffs snapped shut around her wrists.
Judge Sullivan did not look at her again.
"Remove the defendant."
Her screams echoed as she was dragged from the courtroom—once idolized, now utterly dismantled.
The remaining sentences followed.
"Ryan Cole is sentenced to five years' imprisonment for extortion and perjury."
"Other cooperating individuals shall receive reduced sentences in accordance with their assistance."
Finally, Judge Sullivan addressed the broader fallout.
"As for former attorney Zachary Kang, former Judge Michael Bennett, and forensic examiner misconduct exposed during trial—"
His voice hardened.
"All evidence has been formally transferred to the Judicial Oversight Committee and the District Attorney's Office."
"There will be no leniency."
The gavel fell one last time.
"Court is adjourned."
For a moment—silence.
Then the courtroom erupted into applause.
Not celebration.
Release.
Outside, reporters surged forward.
Cameras flashed.
But Lucas Carter said nothing.
He only looked back once—toward Ethan Walker, who stood upright now, free at last.
Justice, at last, had spoken.