Chapter 19: Sentence
The courtroom was silent when Victor Hale entered.
No cameras inside.No spectacle.
Just consequence.
Ace Charles sat in the gallery—not as a participant, but as a witness.
He didn't need to speak.
The facts did that for him.
The Verdict
The judge reviewed the record carefully.
Fraud.Obstruction.Witness tampering.Market manipulation.
"Hale Strategic Capital engaged in systemic abuse," the judge said.
Victor Hale stood motionless.
"I sentence you," the judge continued, "to twenty-four years in federal prison."
A pause.
"No early release."
The gavel struck.
Fight #963Opponent: Victor HaleResult: Final
Aftermath
Outside the courthouse, the press waited.
Ace walked past without comment.
One reporter shouted, "Do you feel responsible?"
Ace stopped.
Turned.
"I feel accountable," he said calmly. "There's a difference."
He walked on.
The quote dominated headlines.
Inside the Firm
Harvey watched the coverage on mute.
"Twenty-four years," Harvey said quietly. "That's… final."
Mike Ross nodded. "He crossed the line."
Katrina looked at Ace. "You drew it."
Ace replied evenly, "He chose it."
Fight #978Opponent: Moral ambiguityStatus: Resolved
Jessica Steps Aside
That evening, Jessica packed her office.
Not hurried.
Not sad.
Purposeful.
Ace stood in the doorway.
"You ready?" she asked.
"Yes," Ace said.
She handed him the keys.
"Then don't run it like me," she said.
Ace met her gaze.
"I won't."
She smiled.
Fight #986Opponent: Transition anxietyStatus: Completed