Chapter 7 - The Trial of the Montigues
Though Serena had signed the full confession, the trial of the Montigue Syndicate moved forward in federal court, exposing decades of organized crime, extortion, and violence across the Midwest.
Lily took the witness stand on a bright Tuesday morning.
The courtroom was packed with international journalists, syndicate lawyers, and law enforcement officials. Sitting behind the prosecution desk, Victor sat in an immaculate suit, his presence alone keeping the defense team from attempting any aggressive cross-examination techniques.
When the defense attorney tried to question Lily’s motives, asking if she had fabricated details of the assault to secure financial compensation from Victor Blackwood, Lily stood tall in the witness box.
"I didn't know who Mr. Blackwood was when I took the nanny job," Lily testified, her voice echoing clear and strong through the courtroom. "I only knew that a little boy needed someone to love him after losing his mother. I would have taken that kick ten times over to make sure Ethan was safe. Money has nothing to do with love."
In the front row, Victor’s eyes softened with a look of profound, open admiration.
The jury returned a verdict within three hours:
Julian Montigue: Sentenced to thirty-five years in federal prison for racketeering, extortion, and conspiracy.
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Serena Montigue: Sentenced to fifteen years in state prison for felony child abuse, assault, and attempted fraud.
The Montigue Syndicate was completely dismantled, its assets seized by federal marshals, leaving the Blackwood organization as the undisputed, sole power in the region—a power that Victor was already shifting toward entirely legitimate, lawful enterprises.
