CHAPTER 31

Marie sat nervously in the courtroom, her hands trembling as she awaited the judge's verdict. Her heart raced as she glanced around, searching for any sign of hope in the faces of the jury.

The judge's gavel pounded against the wooden stand, commanding attention. "Marie Johnson, you have been found guilty of conspiracy to commit kidnapping," the judge declared solemnly.

Marie's breath caught in her throat as the weight of the words settled upon her. "But, Your Honor, I didn't—"

"Silence!" the judge interrupted sharply. "You had your chance to defend yourself in court."

Marie's lawyer, Mr. Thompson, stood up, his voice filled with urgency. "Your Honor, Marie deeply regrets her involvement in this matter. She was coerced by her co-conspirator and deeply regrets her actions."

The judge regarded Marie with a ste