Chapter 58: Victor's Last Game

Victor Hale saved his last game for court.

His trial began under heavier security than Evelyn's. Prosecutors called him the architect behind years of corruption, intimidation, financial manipulation, and violence. His lawyers called him a consultant caught between powerful families.

Scarlett called him what he was.

A parasite.

She testified on the third day.

Victor watched her from the defense table with pale, amused eyes. He looked thinner in custody but no less dangerous. Some men lost power when walls closed around them. Victor seemed to feed on the idea that people still feared him.

The prosecutor walked Scarlett through the accident, the medical fraud, the attack at Moretti House, the airfield shooting, and the ledger.

Then Victor's attorney stood.

'Miss Whitmore, are you aware that Alexander Moretti's father once worked with my client?'

'Yes.'

'Are you aware that the Moretti family benefited financially from operations my client helped build?'

'Yes.'

'Then why is Mr. Hale on trial while Mr. Moretti sits free beside you?'

Scarlett looked at Victor, then at the jury.

'Because one man's father committed sins, and one man chose to continue them. Alexander has told the truth and made restitution where he could. Victor Hale built a life out of other people's graves.'

Victor's smile faded.

Later, Luca testified about the ambush that killed Alexander's parents. Financial experts tied Victor to the stolen routes. Former associates described threats, bribes, and disappearances.

On the final day, Victor requested permission to speak before the verdict.

The judge allowed a brief statement.

Victor stood slowly. 'Power belongs to those willing to take it. Everyone in this courtroom pretends otherwise because they prefer clean hands and dirty servants.'

His eyes found Scarlett.

'You think you won because you exposed me. But I made all of you reveal what you are.'

Scarlett felt Alexander tense beside her.

She did not look away.

The jury found Victor guilty on all major counts.

As guards led him out, he smiled one final time.

'Enjoy your throne, Scarlett. Thrones always need blood.'

Scarlett watched him disappear.

For the first time, his words did not frighten her.