Three months later, the high ceilings of the County Superior Courtroom were filled with reporters and spectators.
Arthur sat at the prosecution table, dressed in a sharp black suit, holding Lily's hand in his.
Across the room, Victoria sat in an orange jumpsuit, her hair unwashed and her wrists chained to her waist belt.
Beside her sat Richard Hayes, looking defeated as his defense attorney shuffled through stack after stack of papers.
Judge Miller: Order in the court!
The judge slammed his wooden gavel down, making the room go dead silent.
Judge Miller: We are gathered today for sentencing in the case of the State versus Victoria Vance and Richard Hayes.
The prosecutor stood up, buttoning his jacket as he stepped toward the podium.
Prosecutor: Your Honor, the state requests the maximum penalty allowed by law for both defendants.
Judge Miller: Before I hand down my decision, the victim's family has requested to speak. Mr. Arthur Sterling, you may approach.
Arthur stood up, squeezing Lily's hand one last time before walking firmly to the microphone.
He turned his gaze directly toward Victoria, who refused to look him in the eye.
Arthur: Six months ago, I thought I was going to spend the rest of my life with a woman who cared about my family.
The courtroom was silent, every eye fixed on Arthur.
Arthur: But her greed turned her into a monster. She didn't just try to steal our home and our future—she tried to murder an elderly woman who welcomed her with open arms.
Victoria's shoulders shook, but no sound came out of her mouth.
Arthur: She thought a little girl's voice wouldn't matter. She thought she could scare my daughter into silence and push my mother out of the way.
Arthur pointed a firm finger toward the defense table.
Arthur: But the truth always comes to light. And today, justice will finally be served for Eleanor Sterling.
A wave of quiet nods echoed through the gallery as Arthur stepped back to his seat.
Judge Miller adjusted his glasses, looking down at the legal documents on his desk with a stern expression.
Judge Miller: Victoria Vance, for the charges of aggravated assault resulting in serious bodily injury, attempted grand larceny, and conspiracy to commit fraud, I sentence you to fifteen years in state prison without the possibility of parole for ten years.
Victoria let out a loud, shuddering sob, burying her face in her chained hands.
Judge Miller: Richard Hayes, for abuse of fiduciary duty, grand theft, and conspiracy, you are sentenced to twelve years in state prison and ordered to pay full restitution to the Sterling estate.
The judge brought his gavel down hard against the wooden block.
Judge Miller: Court is adjourned!
Bailiffs immediately stepped forward, grabbing Victoria and Richard by their shoulders to lead them toward the holding doors.
Victoria turned her head back one last time, looking at Arthur with tear-filled, desperate eyes.
Victoria: Arthur, please! Forgive me!
Arthur didn't say a word. He simply turned his back on her, wrapping his arm around his daughter as they walked out into the corridor together.