Following the hearing, David, Lily, and Maya walked out through the heavy glass doors of the courthouse, where a swarm of news reporters and camera crews waited on the steps under the light rain.
Reporter 1: "Mr. Vance! What is the status of your divorce proceedings with Chloe Harrington?!"
David: "The family court granted a full annulment this morning based on fraud and felony endangerment. She has zero legal claim to any portion of my estate or assets."
Reporter 2: "What about Harrington Real Estate? Her father claimed yesterday that you ruined his firm!"
David: "Mr. Harrington's firm was built on fraudulent loans and inflated property evaluations that came to light during our legal investigation. Vance Equity pulled all financial backing three days ago. The company is currently in bankruptcy proceedings."
Reporter 3: "Miss Lin! You're being called the Hero Maid of Dallas! How do you feel about saving little Lily?!"
Maya: "I'm not a hero. I'm just someone who cared about a little girl who needed help. Every child deserves to feel safe in their own home."
David placed a protective hand on Maya's shoulder, smiling warmly at the reporters before leading her and Lily down the stone steps toward his waiting black SUV.
David: "That's all for today, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you."
The driver opened the rear door, and David helped Lily into her booster seat before climbing in beside Maya. The vehicle pulled away smoothly from the courthouse curb, navigating through the downtown Dallas traffic.
Maya: "It feels like a massive weight has been lifted off this city."
David: "It's finally over, Maya. Chloe will be going to prison for a long time, and her family can never touch us again."
Lily: "Maya... are you going to stay with us forever?"
Maya looked down at the little girl, who was reaching out her small hand to hold Maya's fingers.
Maya: "As long as your daddy will have me, sweetie. I'm not going anywhere."
David: "You're family now, Maya. This estate is your home as much as it is ours."
The SUV turned down the long, tree-lined driveway of the Vance estate, stopping in front of the grand entrance. The sun was finally breaking through the gray rain clouds, casting bright golden light across the white marble columns and the green lawn.