Six months later, the sun beat down on the steps of the Dallas County Courthouse.
Reporters and camera crews crowded behind metal barricades as a black luxury sedan pulled up to the curb.
Arthur stepped out of the car, quickly walking around to the passenger side to open the door for Clara.
Clara stepped out slowly, relying on a polished wooden cane, but standing upright with her head held high.
Reporter 1: Mrs. Vance! How does it feel to face your mother-in-law in court today?
Reporter 2: Mr. Vance! Is it true that Evelyn Vance is pleading for leniency due to her age?
Arthur ignored the questions, placing his arm around Clara's waist as they walked together up the stone steps into the building.
Inside Courtroom 3B, Evelyn Vance sat at the defense table. Her dark velvet blazer was gone, replaced by a drab orange jumpsuit. Her once-impeccable hair was gray and unkempt, and her eyes were sunken.
When she saw Arthur and Clara walk into the room, her hands shook inside her metal handcuffs.
Judge Sterling: All rise for the sentencing of Evelyn Vance.
The entire courtroom stood as the judge took his bench.
Judge Sterling: Defendant, you have been found guilty of conspiracy to commit severe assault, corporate embezzlement, and hiring individuals to inflict permanent bodily harm. Do you have anything to say before I pass sentence?
Evelyn stood up slowly, her voice raspy and thin.
Evelyn: Your Honor... I am an old woman. I spent my whole life building a legacy for my son. Everything I did was to protect my family's wealth...
Judge Sterling: You did not protect your family, Mrs. Vance. You orchestrated a brutal, cowardly attack on an innocent young woman out of pure greed and spite.
The judge slammed his wooden gavel down with a sharp bang.
Judge Sterling: I sentence you to twenty-five years in the Texas State Penitentiary. Court is adjourned.
Evelyn sobbed out loud as the bailiffs grabbed her by the arms, dragging her through the side exit as she looked back at her son one last time.
Evelyn: Arthur! Please! Forgive me! Arthur!
Arthur turned his back on her, focusing entirely on Clara, who looked up at him with tears of relief in her eyes.
Clara: It's finally over, Arthur.
Arthur: Yes, sweetheart. It's over. Let's go home[cite: 1].