Three months passed before the final court hearing took place downtown.
The Dallas courtroom was packed with news reporters and family members.
Victoria sat at the defense table wearing a plain grey jumpsuit.
Her lawyer tried to argue for a reduced sentence based on stress.
Mark sat on the wooden bench directly behind the district prosecutor table.
He held a framed photograph of his late father inside his hands.
The judge cleared her throat and pounded her wooden gavel firmly.
Judge Vance: Victoria Miller, step forward for your official sentencing.
Victoria stood up slowly while looking down at the polished floor.
Judge Vance: The evidence of financial theft and child endangerment is absolute.
Victoria: Your honor, I was only trying to secure my financial future.
Judge Vance: You endangered an innocent child out of pure personal greed.
The judge picked up her pen and signed the official court papers.
Judge Vance: I sentence you to fifteen years in state prison without parole.
A collective gasp filled the courtroom as the sentence was declared aloud.
Victoria was led away in heavy chains by two court bailiffs.
Mark stepped outside the stone courthouse into the warm Texas sunlight.
His family lawyer walked beside him with a big smile on his face.
Lawyer: The entire estate and trust fund are now fully under your control.
Mark: The money does not matter to me as much as safety does.
Lawyer: Your father would be very proud of how you protected Tommy.
Mark smiled warmly as he looked up at the clear blue sky.
He drove back to the large mansion where the sun was shining brightly.
He removed the heavy locks from his father study and opened the windows.
Fresh air blew through the room, clearing away the old dark memories.
He carried baby Tommy out into the green backyard near the pool.
They sat together on the grass while listening to the birds singing high above.
The dangerous plot was finally over, and justice had been fully served today.