When the recording ended, the room was silent except for the soft hum of Future’sNo Basicstill playing low in the background.
Nuri’s heart pounded, adrenaline mixing with relief. She’d done it. She’d given them what they needed to end this once and for all.
Silas didn’t waste a second. He snatched his phone off the coffee table and dialed Memphis. The call connected on the second ring.
“Yo!” Memphis’ voice crackled with urgency.
“A’ye,” Silas said, his voice calm but sharp. “I’m ‘bout to send you this recording. Send it to the lawyer.”
“Say less.” Memphis’ voice carried the weight of loyalty—the kind that ran deep enough to burn the world down for the people he loved.
Before Silas could hang up, Memphis continued, his tone shifting. “Oh, and I was able to erase every trace of the money you cleaned through Blake. Rerouted it, just like you asked.”
Silas’ eyes darkened with satisfaction, a smirk playing on his lips. “Good lookin’ out, bruh. I just sent it over.”
He ended the call and set the phone down, his gaze shifting back to Nuri. He reached for her hand, lacing his fingers through hers. “You did that, baby,” he said, his voice low, full of pride and something deeper—something that sounded a lot like forever.
Nuri leaned into his touch, her heart steady. For the first time in a long time, she felt free. She’d fought her demons and won. And with Silas and Ali at her side, she knew one thing for certain—Boyd had underestimated the wrong one.
Ali sat back, his eyes locked on his daughter. “Your mama might’ve kept me from you, but she raised you right. You a warrior, Nuri. Don’t ever forget that.”
Nuri’s lips curved into a smile that held a thousand untold stories. She was done being the victim. This was her time. And she wasn’t just surviving anymore—she was living.
“All rise,” the bailiff’s voice boomed across the courtroom, echoing like a judgment day sermon.
Nuri’s heart skipped a beat as she stood, her palms sweaty, but her head held high. It had been two weeks of restless nights, strategy meetings, and waiting. Two weeks of holding her breath, praying that the evidence her lawyer Mr. Wilson had put together would be enough to bury Boyd once and for all.
Judge Scott entered with a presence that shut down all the side chatter. His robe—crisp, and his expression—cold. He took his seat behind the bench and shuffled a few papers before looking up.
“Please be seated.”
Nuri sat slowly, feeling the weight of every eye in that courtroom. Bre was at her side, sending up silent prayers, and holding Nuri’s hand. Silas sat on the other side, his hand resting on her thigh protectively; his jaw clenched, eyes cold and steady. Memphis posted up like a statue behind them, arms folded across his chest, a silent force of support. Ali was seated behind Nuri, a presence she could feel even without turning around. She’d silently yearned her whole life for this feeling… this moment to be seen. It felt damn good and was well deserved.
Across the aisle, Boyd sat with that same smugness he always carried. But this time… His eyes darted nervously, and his fingers fidgeted on the table. Tree sat beside him, the color drained from his face, his head bowed like a man who already knew what time it was.
Mr. Wilson stood, adjusting his tie before addressing the judge. “Your Honor, in the matter of Nuri Sinclair versus the United States Of America, we have submitted irrefutable evidence that not only did Mr. Boyd engage in fraudulent financial activities, but he also intentionally used his alleged daughter’s name and identity to commit these crimes.” He paused, glancing at Nuri. “We also have recordings—courtesy of Ms. Sinclair herself—that prove Mr. Boyd’s intent to destroy her reputation, her freedom, and ultimately, her life.”
Judge Scott’s face was stone cold, his eyes cutting like knives. “I have reviewed the evidence, including the financial documents, the wire transfers, the forged signatures, and the recorded confession.” He glanced at Boyd, his face hard. “Mr. Boyd, do you have anything to say before I render my judgment?”
Boyd shifted in his seat, his voice low and bitter. “Man, I did what I had to do. Life ain’t fair, and sometimes you gotta make moves to get what you want. She—” He gestured at Nuri like she was a piece of trash. “—she don’t deserve nothin’ good in life,and her father’s nothin’ but a useless crime boss. Look at them, they look just alike. My only mistake in all of this was loving my wife. She just couldn’t let go, so I had to help her. So, if love is a crime… that’s the only one I’m guilty of today.”
Nuri felt Silas’ hand intertwined with hers, reassuring her of his presence with her. The hatred spewing from Boyds mouth was demonic, and Silas didn’t want any of his venomous words to attach to Nuri. The Devil would forever be a liar, and Boyd would soon be able to rest safely in hell with his brothers and sisters. Everyone in Atlanta had heard the horror stories about the Penitentiary in Georgia. Silas smiled inside knowing Boyds fate was sealed.
Judge Scott’s voice dropped to a dangerous calm. “Mr. Boyd, the court finds you guilty on all counts of fraud, money laundering, conspiracy, and identity theft. I am also finding you guilty of obstruction of justice, fabrication of evidence, and conspiracy to commit perjury. Given the severity of your crimes, and the utter lack of remorse you’ve displayed here today, I am sentencing you to sixty years in prison without the possibility of parole.
Boyd’s mouth fell open, his eyes bulging. “Sixty?! What the fuck you mean?” He quizzed, looking at his lawyer for immediate answers.
“I’m giving you a break with sixty! But, if you interrupt me again, you will be held in contempt,” Judge Scott spazzed, his tone final. “Tree Williams, for your role in aiding and abetting, and conspiring with Mr. Boyd, as well as hacking into financial systems, you are hereby sentenced to twenty-five years in prison.”
Tree’s head dropped, his shoulders slumping like the weight of the world had just hit him.
Judge Scott turned his gaze to Nuri, and for the first time, the steel in his eyes softened. “Ms. Sinclair, I want to personallyapologize for the pain and suffering this ordeal has caused you. No daughter should have to face what you’ve faced. The strength you’ve shown in the face of such adversity is remarkable.” He paused, nodding to Nova. “And to you, Mrs. Nova Sinclair, I’m sorry for the betrayal you endured. I hope this ruling brings you both the justice and peace you deserve.”
Nuri felt tears sting her eyes, but she held them back. She wasn’t crying for Boyd. She wasn’t even crying for herself and her mother. She was crying for every girl who’d been lied to, and deprived of the real family and love she was supposed to have. She stood, her voice steady as she faced the judge.
“Thank you, Your Honor. Today means more than you know,” Nuri replied.
Silas stood beside her, his hand on her back, pride shining in his eyes. “It’s over now, baby,” he whispered, low and fierce. “It’s time for us to live our life now.”
