The prosecutor nodded. “You confirm that Dr. Keating attempted to isolate the victim’s condition, preventing any second opinion?”
“Yes, sir.”
The defense sank into their seats. Their case was crumbling as fast as a sand wall in a storm. Then the toxicology expert was brought in, presenting slides and charts.
“The substance in the syringe is tetrodotoxin. In low doses, it mimics death, slowing the heartbeat, freezing muscles, and nearly erasing vital signs. Without advanced equipment, it is easily mistaken for actual death. This was intentional.”
The room went silent. The judge turned to Peter. “Mr. Fairchild, before sentencing, do you have anything to say?”
Peter stood. His face was twisted—half rage, half despair. “Yes,” he said, voice cracking. “I have something to say.”
The entire room leaned forward. Peter stared directly at Samantha, eyes burning red. “I used to love you, Samantha. But you loved your companies more. You loved your billions, your power. And me? I was just a shadow in my own home.”
Gasps rippled through the gallery.
“Yes!” Peter said louder, fists clenching. “I wanted everything. I wanted what should have been mine. If you had to die for me to finally live like a man, then so be it!”
A wave of chaos erupted—shouts, cries, and gasps melding together. The judge pounded her gavel relentlessly. “Order! Order!”
Samantha shot to her feet, tears streaming but her voice fierce. “Love cannot be stolen. Respect cannot be forced. You had my trust, my home, my life… and your greed destroyed you.”
Peter screamed. “I regret nothing! Nothing!” He lunged forward but was tackled by guards. The handcuffs clanged together in a chilling echo.
Dr. Mason, witnessing everything, collapsed into his seat and sobbed. “I’m sorry, Samantha. I betrayed everything I swore to uphold. I deserve punishment.”
Judge Brooks rose, her voice thunderous with authority. “The court has heard enough.” She looked at Peter first. “Peter Fairchild, you are guilty of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and greed in its most poisonous form. I sentence you to life imprisonment with hard labor.”
Peter screamed as he was dragged away. “It was all supposed to be mine! All of it!”
Then the judge turned to Dr. Mason. “Dr. Mason Keating, entrusted with life, yet you aided death. This court sentences you to life in prison. You will never hold another life in your hands.”..
