Three days after the terrifying incident, the Vance estate was filled with police investigators and senior legal advisors. Arthur Pendelton, Julian's primary estate lawyer, sat at the mahogany desk in the study, reviewing bank records and police reports.
Arthur: "Julian, the police investigation has uncovered far more than we initially suspected."
Julian: "What else did she do, Arthur?"
Arthur: "Detectives searched Victoria's laptop and personal cloud drive this morning. Over the past two months, she made dozens of search queries regarding balcony safety heights, fatal toddler falls, and estate inheritance laws."
Julian clenched his fist tightly, his knuckles turning white with rage.
Julian: "She was calculating how to end my daughter's life for months?!"
Arthur: "Yes. Furthermore, she forged your signature on an insurance document three weeks ago, taking out a four-million-dollar life insurance policy on Lily."
Julian: "That evil, disgusting woman... she planned every single detail!"
Arthur: "This evidence solidifies the charge of premeditated attempted murder. The district attorney has already denied her bail request. She will remain in county jail until her trial."
Sarah entered the study carrying a tray of warm tea, setting it down gently on the table.
Sarah: "Excuse me, Mr. Vance, I just put Lily down for her afternoon nap."
Julian: "Thank you, Sarah. Please, sit down with us."
Sarah: "Oh, I shouldn't interrupt your legal meeting, sir."
Julian: "You aren't interrupting. Arthur, I want to officially amend my family trust fund right now. I want Sarah added as a permanent estate trustee with a full lifetime annuity."
Sarah gasped, her hands shaking as she looked at Julian in total shock.
Sarah: "Mr. Vance... no! I can't accept that! That is way too generous!"
Julian: "Sarah, you've taken care of Lily like she was your own daughter. You stood up to Victoria when no one else was watching. You deserve complete financial security for the rest of your life."
Arthur: "I will prepare the trust agreement right away, Julian. It is entirely deserved."
Tears gathered in Sarah's eyes as she looked from Arthur to Julian, wiping her cheeks with a napkin.
Sarah: "Thank you, Mr. Vance... Thank you so much. I promise to always protect Lily."
Julian: "I know you will, Sarah. You've already proven your loyalty."
Arthur gathered his legal files into his briefcase and stood up, adjusting his suit jacket.
Arthur: "Regarding the divorce and pre-nuptial agreement, Victoria's felony attempt against your family completely voids all financial claims. She won't receive a single dollar of alimony or settlement money."
Julian: "Good. Make sure her legal team knows we will fight every single appeal she tries to file."
Arthur: "Rest easy, Julian. She will spend decades behind bars."