Chapter 161
The turnover.
Kayla’s POV:
I sit calmly in my chair, my heart beating steadily as I gaze around the courtroom.
The murmur of voices, the shuffling of papers, the rustling of clothes it all seems like background noise to me.
Today’s the day, the day of the final hearing, but I am not worried. I’m not bothered. I know I will walk out of here a free person.
As I scan the room, my eyes land on the prosecutor, her stern expression a stark contrast to my own calm demeanor. She thinks she has a case against me, but she’s got nothing.
My lawyer, Mr. Johnson, gives me a reassuring smile as he organizes his notes.
He believes in me, and he knows we’ve got this. We have gone over the evidence a thousand times, and it’s clear, I’m innocent.
Well… at least.
The judge enters the room, and the murmur of voices dies down. I straighten my back, ready to face whatever comes next. But I’m not nervous. I’m not anxious. I know I didn’t do anything wrong.
The prosecutor stands up, her voice clear and confident as she begins her argument.
But I tune her out, my mind wandering to all the things I’ll do once this is all over. I’ll go back to work, back to my normal life. I’ll put this whole ordeal behind me and move on.
As the hearing progresses, I listen to the evidence, to the witnesses, to the arguments.
But it’s all just noise, background noise to my own inner monologue. I know the truth, and the truth will set me free.
I’m not worried about going to jail. The thought never even crosses my mind. I mean, why would it?
I am innocent. I know I didn’t do anything wrong. The evidence will prove it. I’ll be vindicated, and I’ll get on with my life.
As the judge delivers the verdict, I feel a sense of vindication wash over me.
“Not guilty,” he says, his voice clear and firm. I smile, a sense of relief washing over me. I knew it. I knew I’d be okay.
He didn’t say that, but it was all in my head.
I stand up, my heart still beating steadily, my head held high. I glance over at the prosecutor, her expression a mix of shock and disappointment.
But I don’t gloat. I don’t rub it in. I just smile, a quiet smile of vindication.
I felt a sense of calm wash over me. I know I have done everything I can to protect myself.
The bribes I paid to the officials will surely save me from this predicament.
The prosecutor asks me about the large payments made to government officials, and I smile to myself. They think they have evidence, but they don’t know the whole story.
“Ms. Kayla, can you explain the large payments made to government officials in exchange for favorable treatment?” he asks, thinking he’s got me cornered.
I lean forward, confident in my response. “Those payments were simply business our expenses, nothing more. And I have proof that they were legitimate.” I say as I stole a glance at my lawyer.
Then, I glance over at the officials in the front row, the ones I’ve paid off. They nod subtly, and I know I’ve got this in the bag.
The prosecutor tries to press me, but I’m not worried. I know my bribes will pay off, literally. I have bought my way out of this situation, and I am confident I will walk away scoot free.
As the questioning goes on, I feel my confidence growing. I’m in control here, and I know it.
The prosecutor is just trying to intimidate me, but I’m not having it.
I’ll walk out of this courtroom a free woman, thanks to my cleverness and my bribes. And no one will ever be able to touch me again.
The judge’s expression turns stern, and he shakes his head in disgust.
“Kayla, I’m disappointed. I’m disappointed in the way you’ve conducted yourself, both in and out of this courtroom. You’ve shown a blatant disregard for the law, and a complete lack of remorse for your actions.” He says.
I feel a surge of anger at his words, but I try to keep my cool. I know I’ve got this in the bag, thanks to my bribes.
“You’re a smart woman, Kayla,” the judge continues.
“I expect more from someone of your intelligence and resources. But instead, you have chosen to use your gifts for personal gain, and to exploit others for your own benefit.” He says.
I roll my eyes, trying to appear nonchalant. This is just a show, I tell myself. The judge is just trying to sound tough.
But then he drops the bombshell. “And as for the bribes, Kayla… I’m afraid they won’t save you this time. You see, we’ve been investigating those officials you paid off, and they’re willing to testify against you in exchange for immunity.”
My heart sinks, and my confidence begins to waver. No, this can’t be happening. My bribes were supposed to guarantee my freedom…
My lies and secrets we’re all out to the open.
I watch in stunned silence as Megan and Chris walked out of the courtroom, hand in hand, their faces filled with joy and relief. They’re free, thanks to my own downfall.
I feel a burning rage inside me as I realize that my plan has backfired.
I was so sure that my bribes would save me, that I would walk away scot-free. But now, I’m the one who’s been caught, and they’re the ones who are free.
I glare at Megan and Chris, my anger and resentment boiling over. How could this have happened? I was the one who was supposed to come out on top, not them.
I think back to all the times I manipulated and used them; all the times I thought I was getting away with it. But now, it’s all come crashing down around me.
The judge’s voice brings me back to reality.
“Kayla, you are hereby sentenced. You will be in prison for your crimes. You will also be required to pay a fine and restitution to the victims of your schemes.” They say.
I feel like I’ve been punched in the gut. Prison? How could this be happening to me? I’m Kayla, the one who always gets away with it.
As I’m led away in handcuffs, I catch Megan’s eye. She’s smiling at me, a triumphant smile. And I know that I’ll never forgive her for this.