Three months later, the sun shone brightly over the municipal courthouse downtown. Dozens of news reporters, camera crews, and journalists crowded around the front steps as heavy police vans arrived.
Sabrina walked out of the van wearing an orange inmate jumpsuit, her hands handcuffed in front of her, her head bowed low to avoid the flashing cameras.
Reporter 1: Sabrina! Do you have any comment on the grand jury indictment?!
Reporter 2: Is it true you embezzled four million dollars from the Sterling Trust Fund to pay off the clinic staff?!
Sabrina remained silent, refusing to look up as two female officers guided her up the stone steps toward the courtroom doors.
Inside the packed courtroom, Marcus sat in the front row, wearing a sharp navy suit. Beside him sat Hannah, looking healthy, vibrant, and beautiful, holding Marcus's hand tightly.
The judge slammed his heavy wooden gavel onto the bench, restoring order to the noisy room.
Judge Vance: Order in the court! We are here today for the final sentencing of Sabrina Vance.
The prosecutor stood up from his table, opening a thick leather binder full of evidence.
Prosecutor: Your Honor, the defendant stands convicted of aggravated kidnapping, medical fraud, custodial interference, and grand larceny. Her actions caused three years of unimaginable suffering to Hannah Sterling and her young child.
Judge Vance: Does the defense have any final statement before I pronounce sentence?
Sabrina's public defender stood up slowly, looking defeated.
Defense Attorney: My client has entered a full guilty plea to all charges, Your Honor. We ask for leniency based on her lack of prior criminal record.
Judge Vance: Leniency? Your client showed no leniency when she kept a mother locked in an illegal medical facility while trying to force a marriage for corporate profit.
The judge looked down at Sabrina, his face stern and unforgiving.
Judge Vance: Sabrina Vance, I sentence you to twenty-five years in the state penitentiary without the possibility of parole. You will also pay full restitution to the Sterling estate in the amount of six million dollars.
Sabrina let out a sharp gasp, collapsing back into her chair as the courtroom filled with hushed murmurs and camera flashes.
Sabrina: No... please! Your Honor, please!
Judge Vance: Officer, remove the prisoner.
The officers grabbed Sabrina by her arms, pulling her out through the side exit doors as she wept and screamed for mercy.
Marcus turned to Hannah, putting his arm around her shoulder and pulling her close.
Marcus: It's finally over, Hannah. She can never touch us again.
Hannah: It's over... we can finally live our lives in peace.