The following week, the grand court building in downtown Dallas was filled with tension.
Mark sat calmly at the legal table beside his experienced lawyer, Mr. Vance.
Leo was resting safely at home with his loving grandmother during the intense hearing.
Victoria sat across the courtroom wearing a dark suit with her high-priced legal team.
Her lead attorney stepped forward, trying to downplay the clear evidence against his client.
Defense Lawyer: Your Honor, my client simply reacted in a momentary state of high stress.
Mr. Vance: A grown woman striking a helpless toddler is not stress, it is severe crime.
The judge looked over his glasses with a stern and disapproving expression on his face.
He pressed play on the large courtroom television monitor to display the security video footage.
The loud slap echoed through the silent courtroom, making the jury gasp in horror.
The footage showed Victoria's complete lack of remorse or care for the crying child.
It also showed Mark stepping in bravely to protect his son from further harm.
Judge Harris: The footage speaks for itself, and it is completely horrifying to watch.
Victoria's lawyer leaned over to whisper nervously in his client's right ear.
He knew that winning this difficult court case was now entirely impossible for them.
Victoria: I deserve my fair share of his trust fund and the real estate property!
Judge Harris: Silence in this courtroom, or I will cite you for severe contempt!
Mr. Vance presented financial records showing Victoria had tried to transfer family funds illegally.
She had forged Mark's official signature on mortgage documents just days before the attack.
The judge shook his head in absolute disgust at the overwhelming mountain of dark evidence.
Mr. Vance: We request full sole custody, a complete annulment, and immediate criminal charges, Your Honor.
Judge Harris: Granted without any delay, and bail is officially revoked for the defendant today.
Victoria paled as two court bailiffs stepped up behind her wooden chair instantly.
She looked over at Mark, hoping to find a sliver of mercy in his eyes.
Mark stared back at her with cool composure, feeling no sympathy for her greed.
Mark: You chose money over humanity, Victoria, and now you pay the full price.