Chapter 23: The Sentencing

Cora's POV

I walked to the front of the courtroom, and my legs held.

"Your Honor, I'll be brief," I said.

"Take your time, Ms. Lindell."

"The man the plea accuses sat in my kitchen at three in the morning, warming bottles for my daughter."

"He told me one true thing late. Marilyn Alden has never told me one true thing at all."

I turned and looked at Patrick in the witness box.

"He said he would give up every share for me to say yes. I'd like it on the record that yes is my answer."

A gasp went round the gallery, and then, to my surprise, applause.

The judge let it run for a moment before she lifted her hand.

"The claim against Mr. Ansley is dismissed," she said. "Mr. Ansley, you may step down. Mrs. Alden, you will stand."

Marilyn stood.

In the gray cardigan, without her pearls, she looked small, and her hands were shaking.

"Before I sentence you," said the judge, "I will read a letter that reached this court yesterday."

"It was sent by a woman who asked that her name be kept private."

She put on her glasses.

"Thirty-two years ago I was nineteen and unmarried. Mrs. Alden's driver took me to a private suite, and a doctor delivered my son."

"They told me he was stillborn. They paid me and sent me home."

"I read in the paper last week that he is alive."

"I have mourned him for thirty-two years. I would like to ask the court what that is worth."

The courtroom was dead silent.

In the back row, Bradley had put his face in his hands.

"Mrs. Alden," said the judge. "You bought a child, and you tried to buy a second."

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