After a long and intense court debate, the judge finally struck the gavel. The courtroom fell silent instantly. Everyone held their breath, waiting for the final verdict. At this moment, time seemed to stand still, and the whole world was listening to the voice of justice.
"After the trial of this court, with conclusive evidence, the defendants, Carl Black and others, are found guilty of multiple crimes such as corruption, intentional homicide, and environmental pollution. Carl Black is sentenced to life imprisonment, and other involved persons are sentenced to corresponding terms of imprisonment according to the severity of their crimes..." The judge's voice echoed in the courtroom, and every word was like a heavy hammer, hitting Carl and the others hard in the heart.
A warm round of applause and cheers immediately rang out in the courtroom. The town's residents hugged each other excitedly and wept. The families of the victims, at this moment, had tears streaming down their faces. The pain and grievances of many years were finally released. Irene and Hawk looked at each other and smiled. Their eyes were glistening with tears. This was the victory they had achieved through countless hardships, and it was also the beginning of the town regaining its light. Hawk tightly held Irene's hand, and their palms were full of sweat, the tears of excitement and joy.