Chapter 21 - Ethan’s Appeal
Ethan appealed conviction.
Claims:
Improper admission of group chat.
Sloane testimony coerced.
Sentencing excessive.
Appellate court affirmed major counts.
One obstruction count merged as duplicative.
Sentence reduced from eleven years to ten years four months.
Headlines:
COLE HEIR WINS SENTENCE REDUCTION.
Lily saw.
Panic.
I explained.
“He is not free.”
She nodded.
Still hard.
Marcus Cole called victim liaison, not us, to clarify he was not funding further appeal? Not necessary.
Ethan eventually served about eight years nine months with credits? Serious violent felony maybe 85%. Let's say nine years.
Upon release:
No contact order continued during supervision.
He moved to another state.
Worked within family company? Board barred executive role initially. Marcus had restructured governance. Ethan owned inheritance interest but no management.
No new known offenses.
He sent apology through attorney before release.
Lily declined.
No need redemption.
Marcus Cole remained CEO for some years, then retired.
Company paid civil compliance settlement and modernized.
No criminal charges against Marcus.
May you like
He never tried to contact Daniel personally again.
That was enough.
