"Order in the court! Order!" The judge banged the gavel, but even the officers couldn't calm Grace's furious outburst. Finally, Henry shouted, "Mom! Shut up! Haven't you embarrassed me enough?"
Henry's angry yell silenced Grace. She sat there in a daze, tears streaming down her face as she looked at her furious son. The son she had raised and nurtured had now turned his back on her, and it broke her heart.
The first trial concluded, and the judge sentenced Grace to ten years in prison.
Ten years!
For a woman, how many decades can one live? When Grace would be released, she'd have nothing left. She had lost her son's love, her husband's affection, and her reputation was in tatters.
After the court adjourned, Ella and Eric went to Sapphire Shores Tavern for dinner.
Eric's mood was dark, clearly not satisfied with the outcome.