Chapter 154: Chapter 154

In the stark, cold interrogation room, Camille told the detectives her story.

She spoke of the threats, the manipulation, and her eventual decision to gather evidence against Christian.

The detectives listened intently, their expressions gradually softening as they began to understand the depth of her predicament.

“You’ve been through a lot,” Detective Ramirez said gently, his voice tinged with sympathy. “But why didn’t you come forward before?”

Camille sighed softly. “I was terrified. Christian had power and influence. He threatened to destroy everything I cared about if I didn’t comply,” she said quietly.

The detectives exchanged glances.

This was going to be a complicated case, considering that they were dealing with one of the most powerful men in the country.

Though it was certainly going to be difficult and would require extensive time to verify details and gather statements, it wasn’t impossible.

Also, they had the support of the McGregor family. With their help, it was going to be easier than if they were on their own.

At that moment, Jenkins was struck by a realization.

“Hold on…” He stared at Camille intently.

Short blonde hair, romantically linked…

Ah, she was said to be Christian Callahan’s fiancée, right?

“So you’re the mastermind that Hank Turner described,” Jenkins concluded.

There was no visible change in his expression, but it was clear there was a lot of explaining to do.

Camille stiffened.

Detective Ramirez sighed.

This was going to be a long day.

***

Weeks had passed since that day.

It had been a whirlwind of events, but Camille had been prepared for it all. She knew that she would be questioned at length and that the case would go to trial.

She also anticipated the presence of the McGregors. Even her adoptive father, Luther van Gowen, was scheduled to return after a week under Dr. Colmen’s recommendation for his treatment in the country. He would be prescribed medication and undergo maintenance therapy.

But there was more news.

Joanna McGregor had woken up.

It was a pleasant surprise that came about three days after the chaotic joint project announcement event.

Diana McGregor, who had been looking after Joanna while John and Will were at the station, was shocked by her awakening, but was incredibly happy that she was alive.

Having been in a coma for so long, Joanna required extensive rehabilitation. Luckily, the doctors were optimistic about her recovery and believed that she could return to a relatively normal life.

Her memories of the events leading up to her accident were hazy, which was typical after a coma. It was even possible she had lost those memories for good.

Nevertheless, the most important thing was that she was now awake, safe, and healthy.

Camille took a deep breath as she entered the packed courtroom. Reporters, spectators, and those who had followed the case with great interest filled the room.

The judge presided with a stern expression on his face. Camille and Grady sat side by side, their faces a mixture of resignation and determination.

Michael and Joanna were in the audience for moral support.

The judge’s gavel came down sharply, silencing the murmurs in the courtroom. “Miss Camille Parker, please rise.”

Camille stood, her heart pounding in her chest. She had prepared for this moment, knowing that her actions, however forced, had consequences.

The judge addressed her directly.

“You have been found guilty of being an accessory to several crimes, including misuse of corporate resources, extortion, and conspiracy. However, the court recognizes the significant duress under which you operated and your eventual cooperation with the authorities, which was instrumental in exposing the crimes of the Callahan family.”

Camille’s breath caught in her throat as the judge continued, “In light of these factors, your sentence will be three years of supervised probation with 500 hours of community service. You will also attend mandatory counseling sessions. This sentence reflects both the seriousness of your involvement and the extraordinary circumstances that led to your actions.”

Tears welled in Camille’s eyes as she nodded, her voice barely a whisper. “Thank you, Your Honor.”

Next, the judge turned to Grady. “Mr. Grady Thompson, please rise.”

Grady stood, his face set in a stoic mask. He had accepted his fate, understanding that his actions, though coerced, had contributed to the injury of Joanna McGregor.

“Mr. Thompson,” the judge began, “you have been found guilty of conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and participation in a criminal enterprise. Your involvement, while significant, cannot be overlooked. However, the court recognizes your eventual cooperation and the critical role you played in the investigation.”

The judge’s tone softened slightly. “You are hereby sentenced to two years in a minimum security facility, with eligibility for parole after one year. In addition, you will perform 300 hours of community service upon your release.”

Grady nodded, a small flicker of relief crossing his face. “Thank you, Your Honor.”

After the verdicts were handed down, the courtroom began to empty. Reporters rushed to file their stories, while family and friends gathered around Camille and Grady.

Camille scanned the small crowd for Michael, and when she found him, she reached out for him, but he reached her first and wrapped her in a warm embrace.

“You’re okay,” he whispered in her ear. “You’re okay.”

She almost sobbed with relief.

***

Days after the ruling, Camille returned to her new apartment.

The days following the announcement of the joint project were a whirlwind of emotion, media frenzy, and legal proceedings.

Camille, now known to the world as Hailey van Gowen, found herself at the center of a storm that she had long tried to avoid.

Her brothers, who had returned to the country, knew all about what had happened. They had watched the news and seen the exposé.

But they had to fly abroad on the day of her sentencing to pick up Luther. Since his betrayal had been exposed on the news, Luther had to return as soon as possible to face the charges.

Meanwhile, journalists and reporters continued to hound her, trying to get juicy statements. It was a troublesome development.

She did not want to talk about her former life — at least, not now — so she kept evading them and hiding out in her new home.

She had moved out of Christian’s house shortly thereafter. Although the terms of their contract marriage were risky, Michael took it upon himself to make the contract null and void.

Now Camille was finally free.