Chapter 7 - The Trial and the Verdict
Two months later, the final criminal trial of Alejandro and Teresa Sandoval took place at the Central Criminal Court of Mexico City.
The courtroom was packed with industry observers, reporters, and legal scholars. Alejandro sat at the defense table in his prison beige, looking thin, defeated, and completely hollowed out. Beside him sat Teresa, dressed in a plain black dress provided by social services. Her former arrogance was completely extinguished, replaced by a twitchy, nervous paranoia as she stared at the floor.
Mariana sat in the front row of the prosecution gallery, accompanied by Mateo, who had flown in from Miami to stand by her side, and Gonzalo Reyes.
The presiding judge, Honorable Judge Elena Morales, reviewed the overwhelming evidence—the bank transfer logs, the shell company registrations, the expert forensic audits, and the crystal-clear video recorded on Mariana’s phone showing Teresa destroying personal property while boasting about stolen wealth.
"In the matter of the State versus Alejandro Sandoval and Teresa Sandoval," Judge Morales declared, her authoritative voice filling the silent courtroom. "The court finds the prosecution’s evidence absolute and indisputable."
Judge Morales turned her gaze to Alejandro.
"Alejandro Sandoval, for the charges of grand corporate embezzlement, wire fraud, and tax evasion, you are hereby sentenced to eight years in the Reclusorio Norte Penitentiary without eligibility for early parole. In addition, full financial restitution of $1.8 million pesos is ordered."
Alejandro closed his eyes, a single tear slipping down his cheek as he nodded silently.
Judge Morales then looked at Teresa, who began to hyperventilate.
"Teresa Sandoval, for your co-conspiracy in receiving embezzled funds, tax fraud, and malicious destruction of private property, you are sentenced to two years of mandatory community service, a heavy financial fine, and three years of formal probation. Furthermore, a permanent restraining order is granted, prohibiting you from coming within five thousand meters of Mariana Vance or any Ruta Norte Logística property."
BANG!
The gavel struck the wooden block with absolute finality.
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Teresa burst into loud, pathetic wails as court bailiffs led her away toward the clerk's desk to process her probation terms, while Alejandro was handcuffed and led back through the heavy steel doors to serve his eight-year sentence.
Mariana stood up slowly, adjusting her jacket. She looked at the empty defense table for a brief moment, feeling no hatred, no anger, and no regret. Justice had been delivered cleanly, efficiently, and completely.
