Three weeks later, the grand courtroom downtown was packed to maximum capacity. Reporters from every major news network sat in the gallery, their cameras focused on the defense table where Victoria and Julian sat dressed in orange prison jumpsuits, their hands chained to their waists.
Prosecutor: Your Honor, the state presents Exhibit A: the four-K high-definition security footage captured inside the Sterling mansion foyer on the night of November twelfth.
The prosecutor clicked a button on his podium, and the massive monitor inside the courtroom displayed the video. The room fell into absolute silence as Victoria's clear voice echoed through the speakers, followed by the violent shove that sent Clara tumbling down the steps.
Judge: The court has reviewed the video footage, the forensic medical reports, and the financial audit provided by the state investigators. The evidence against both defendants is overwhelming.
Defense Lawyer: Your Honor, my clients are willing to enter a guilty plea for reckless endangerment in exchange for a reduced sentence—
Prosecutor: The state rejects any plea agreement, Your Honor! The defendant Victoria Sterling intentionally shoved a heavily pregnant woman down a twenty-foot stone staircase while the defendant Julian Sterling encouraged her and actively attempted to conceal the crime to protect an ongoing six-million-dollar embezzlement scheme!
Judge: Motion for plea agreement is denied. Defendants, stand for sentencing.
Victoria stood up shakily, her orange jumpsuit loose around her shoulders, her hair unwashed and messy. Gone was the arrogant woman in the red designer dress; in her place was a terrified criminal realized that her wealth could no longer protect her.
Judge: Victoria Sterling, for the charges of attempted murder, aggravated assault on a pregnant person, and corporate fraud, you are hereby sentenced to fifteen years in state prison without the possibility of parole for the first ten years.
Victoria: No! Please, Your Honor! It was an accident! I didn't mean to push her that hard!
Judge: Silence! Julian Sterling, for the charges of accomplice to aggravated assault, grand larceny, and corporate forgery, you are hereby sentenced to twelve years in federal custody.
Julian: Your Honor, please! I didn't touch her! I was just standing there!
Judge: You stood by and laughed while a woman bled on the floor, Mr. Sterling. You are a disgrace to your family name. Officers, remove the prisoners!
The bailiffs grabbed Victoria and Julian by their arms, leading them out through the side doors while Victoria screamed and sobbed uncontrollably, her voice fading down the long holding corridor.
In the second row of the gallery, Arthur sat beside Clara, his arm wrapped gently around her shoulders as she rested her head against his chest.
Clara: It's finally over, Arthur.
Arthur: Justice was served today, sweetie. They will never hurt us or our child ever again.
Clara: Let's go home.
They stood up together, walking out of the courtroom hand in hand, stepping past the flashing lights of news cameras into the bright, warm afternoon sunshine.