Three months later, the sun beat down on the steps of the Dallas County Courthouse as reporters and news cameras gathered outside the heavy brass doors.
Inside Courtroom 4B, Mark sat in the front row of the gallery, holding Maya's hand while lawyer David Brooks organized their legal documents at the prosecutor's table.
Across the aisle at the defense table sat Chloe, wearing an orange county jail jumpsuit. Her bright blonde hair was dull and messy, her face pale without makeup, and her hands locked in heavy iron belly chains.
Bailiff: All rise for the Honorable Judge Marcus Sterling.
The entire room stood as Judge Sterling took his place behind the high wooden bench, adjusting his spectacles as he opened Chloe's thick criminal case file.
Judge Sterling: We are here today for the preliminary hearing and sentencing in the case of the State of Texas versus Chloe Vance, also known as Chloe Miller.
Judge Sterling: Defendant is charged with felony child abuse, assault with a deadly weapon, grand larceny, identity theft, and attempted extortion.
Defense Attorney: Your Honor, my client would like to enter a plea of no contest to the reduced charge of reckless endangerment.
Prosecutor: The State strongly opposes any plea bargain, Your Honor! The evidence in this case includes high-definition video of explicit, intentional child torture!
Judge Sterling: I have reviewed the video evidence submitted by the prosecution, Counsel. It is some of the most disturbing footage I have seen in fifteen years on the bench.
Judge Sterling: Defendant, do you have anything to say before I render judgment?
Chloe stood up slowly, her chain clinking loudly against the defense desk as she cleared her throat, trying to force tears into her eyes.
Chloe: Your Honor... I am deeply remorseful for what happened that afternoon. I was under immense psychological stress due to financial pressure.
Chloe: I never intended to burn the child. It was a momentary lapse in judgment while trying to discipline her...
Mark: Discipline her with a open flame?! You monster!
Judge Sterling: Order in the court! Mr. Vance, I understand your outrage, but please let the court proceed.
Mark: Your Honor, I request permission to address the court on behalf of my daughter.
Judge Sterling: Permission granted, Mr. Vance. Step up to the podium.
Mark walked up to the microphone, his voice steady and filled with absolute authority as he stared directly into Chloe's cold eyes.
Mark: Chloe came into our lives posing as a loving partner. Instead, she targeted a seven-year-old girl who had already lost her biological mother.
Mark: She used physical violence, fire, and psychological intimidation to try to steal my daughter's inheritance for her own selfish greed.
Mark: A woman who holds a flame to a defenseless child's skin does not belong in society. She belongs behind bars where she can never harm another human being.
Sarah: Amen to that!
Judge Sterling: Thank you, Mr. Vance. Having reviewed the video recording, the medical reports of second-degree burns, and the extensive history of fraudulent identities, this court finds no grounds for leniency.
Judge Sterling: Chloe Vance, on the charge of felony child abuse with a deadly weapon, I sentence you to fifteen years in state prison.
Judge Sterling: On the charges of identity theft and attempted grand larceny, I sentence you to an additional ten years, to be served consecutively.
Chloe: Twenty-five years?! No! Your Honor, please! I won't survive twenty-five years in prison!
Judge Sterling: You should have thought about survival before you tortured a child, ma'am. Remand the defendant into custody immediately!
The bailiffs grabbed Chloe's arms as she shrieked and sobbed, dragging her through the heavy side door while the gavel fell with a loud bang.