Three months later, the sun shone down on the steps of the county courthouse.
Mark walked up the wide stone steps wearing his dark blue business suit.
Sarah walked by his side, holding her head high with newfound strength and confidence.
Inside the grand courtroom, spectators sat quietly on long wooden benches.
Eleanor sat at the defense table wearing a simple grey prison jumpsuit and no jewelry.
Her pride had vanished completely, replaced by a sad and weary expression.
Judge Vance took his seat at the front bench and tapped his heavy wooden gavel once.
Judge Vance: We are here for final sentencing in the case of Eleanor Vance.
The district attorney stood up and faced the judge with a strict tone of voice.
District Attorney: The defendant committed a horrific crime against her own daughter out of pure greed.
District Attorney: She hid the truth for two years to keep full control of a multi-million dollar estate.
District Attorney: We request the maximum prison sentence allowed under state law.
Judge Vance looked down at Eleanor over the rim of his reading glasses sternly.
Judge Vance: Eleanor Vance, do you have anything to say before I pass down sentence?
Eleanor stood up slowly, her voice trembling as she looked toward her children.
Eleanor: I am so sorry for the terrible pain I caused my children.
Eleanor: I let money and foolish pride consume my heart completely.
Sarah squeezed Mark's hand tightly as she listened to her mother's shaking voice.
She felt no anger left in her heart, only a quiet feeling of peaceful closure.
Judge Vance raised his wooden gavel high and looked down at the official papers.
Judge Vance: You are hereby sentenced to fifteen years in state prison without early parole.
The heavy wooden gavel struck the block with a sharp loud bang that echoed around.
Two bailiffs guided Eleanor out through the side court door in iron restraints.
Mark and Sarah stepped out into the bright sunshine on the courtroom front steps.
The fresh warm air felt like a sweet new beginning for both of them.
Sarah: It is finally over, Mark.
Mark: Yes, Sarah. Now we can finally heal and build a real future together.