Three months later, the Dallas County Courthouse was packed with reporters, legal advisors, and high-society observers. Victoria sat at the defense table wearing a dull gray jumpsuit, her styled hair replaced by a messy ponytail, her hands trembling as her father's top defense attorney stood before the judge.
Across the courtroom sat David, holding Lily on his lap while their attorney, Marcus Vance, adjusted his suit jacket.
Judge Ellison: "We are here today for final sentencing in the state case against Victoria Sterling."
Defense Attorney: "Your Honor, my client has no prior criminal record. She was suffering from severe emotional stress due to marital difficulties and requests probation with mandatory anger management counseling."
Prosecutor: "Your Honor, the state presents the court with the 4K security video recovered from the Sterling estate. The video clearly shows the defendant holding a lit flame to a six-year-old orphan's arm while demanding financial assets."
The prosecutor pressed play on a digital screen facing the jury. The terrifying audio of Lily's hysterical screaming echoed through the courtroom, making several jurors gasp in horror.
Judge Ellison: "That is enough. Turn it off."
Judge Ellison looked down at Victoria with utter disgust, slamming his heavy wooden gavel onto the desk.
Judge Ellison: "Victoria Sterling, your actions were calculated, cruel, and completely devoid of human compassion. The fact that you targeted an orphaned child under your care makes this offense unforgivable."
Victoria: "Your Honor, please! I was just trying to protect my financial interest!"
Judge Ellison: "Silence! You are hereby sentenced to fifteen years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice without the possibility of early parole."
Victoria: "NO! FIFTEEN YEARS?! DAVID, HELP ME!"
The bailiffs grabbed Victoria by her arms, dragging her screaming from the courtroom as the heavy metal doors locked behind her forever.
Marcus Vance: "The divorce and sole custody papers have been finalized, David. You and Lily are completely free."
David: "Thank you, Marcus. For everything."