Six months later, the Dallas County Courthouse was filled with reporters, journalists, and legal observers eager to witness the trial of Victoria Vance. Victoria sat at the defense table in a dull orange jumpsuit, her glamorous green sequin dress long gone, replaced by handcuffs and leg shackles.
Marcus sat in the front row of the gallery, holding Toby in his lap, while Elena sat right beside them, wearing an elegant navy dress.
Judge Thompson: "This court is now in session. In the matter of the State of Texas versus Victoria Vance, the jury has reached a verdict."
Jury Foreman: "Your Honor, on count one, attempted capital murder of a minor, we find the defendant GUILTY."
Jury Foreman: "On count two, grand insurance fraud, we find the defendant GUILTY."
Jury Foreman: "On count three, false framing of an innocent individual, we find the defendant GUILTY."
Victoria broke down into hysterical sobs, slamming her manicured hands against the wooden defense table as the verdict was read aloud.
Victoria: "No! It's not fair! I deserve another chance! Marcus, tell them to stop!"
Judge Thompson: "Silence in the courtroom! Victoria Vance, your actions were cold, calculated, and devoid of any human empathy. You attempted to drown a helpless six-month-old infant for monetary gain."
Judge Thompson: "I sentence you to twenty-five years in the Texas Department of Corrections without the possibility of parole for fifteen years."
The judge slammed his heavy wooden gavel down onto the bench, sealing Victoria's fate forever. Bailiffs grabbed her arms and escorted her out through the side door, her hysterical screaming fading down the long hallway.
Outside the courtroom, news reporters swarmed around Marcus and Elena as they walked down the marble steps into the bright Texas afternoon.
Reporter: "Mr. Vance! How do you feel about the twenty-five-year sentence?!"
Marcus: "Justice was served today. My son is safe, and the monster who tried to hurt him will spend the next quarter-century behind bars."
Reporter: "Elena, what do you have to say to other caregivers out there?"
Elena: "Always protect the children. Truth will always come to light, no matter how rich or powerful someone thinks they are."