Chapter 14
The jury convicted Warren on several counts connected to the coercive scheme and related financial conduct while acquitting him on one charge prosecutors had pushed too far.
Giulietta was glad they did.
Justice did not become more legitimate by winning everything.
Warren faced prison, restitution obligations, and the collapse of his authority inside Hale Hospitality.
The riverfront project survived under new ownership.
The Hale name stayed on none of it.
Preston received his sentence separately.
His cooperation helped him.
So did accepting responsibility.
The judge still imposed incarceration.
Before deputies took him away, Preston looked toward Elaine.
She had attended.
He mouthed something Giulietta could not hear.
Elaine did not approach him.
Afterward, reporters surrounded the courthouse.
Giulietta gave no statement about revenge.
No victory speech.
No comment about how powerful the Marconis were.
Naomi eventually asked:
“You realize silence is making them even more curious.”
“Good.”
“They’ll invent things.”
“They already do.”
Giulietta walked to the car.
Her old engagement ring had remained with Naomi throughout the case.
That evening Naomi placed the small evidence envelope on Giulietta’s desk.
“Police released it.”
Giulietta looked at the diamond.
“I don’t want it.”
“Sell it.”
“For what?”
Naomi shrugged.
“That seems like a very rich-person problem.”
Giulietta laughed.
She eventually sold it.
Not to punish Preston.
Not for symbolism.
Because it was jewelry she no longer wanted.
The money went into a legal fund supporting employees leaving coercive domestic situations.
Giulietta refused to put her name on the fund.
Elaine learned anyway.
She sent no thank-you.
Only one message.
May you like
My lawyer could have used something like that twenty-one years ago.
Giulietta saved the message.
