The criminal trial lasted less than three days. Given the undeniable high-definition video footage and the testimony of the attending emergency room doctor who treated Toby's sprained wrist, the jury took under thirty minutes to return a guilty verdict on all counts.
Victoria stood at the defense podium in her prison jumpsuit, trembling as Judge Vance Sterling prepared to read the final sentence.
Judge Sterling: "Victoria Vance, you were welcomed into a wealthy, loving home. Instead of acting as a mother, you allowed greed to consume you to the point where you attempted to severely injure a helpless child."
Victoria: "Your Honor, I was experiencing severe emotional distress! I ask for probation!"
Judge Sterling: "Distress does not excuse calculated cruelty, ma'am. For the crime of felony injury to a child, you are sentenced to ten years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. For grand larceny, you are sentenced to an additional five years, to be served consecutively."
Victoria: "Fifteen years?! No! Please! Richard, tell them to stop!"
Judge Sterling: "Bailiffs, remove the prisoner."
Victoria was led away in tears, her loud cries echoing down the concrete corridor as the gallery broke into soft applause. Outside on the courthouse steps, news anchors swarmed around Richard and Hannah as they exited into the bright Texas sunlight.
Reporter: "Mr. Vance! Do you have a statement regarding your ex-wife's fifteen-year prison sentence?"
Richard: "Justice was served today. No amount of money or status will ever protect someone who hurts a child."
Reporter: "How is your son doing now?"
Richard: "Toby is safe, happy, and fully recovered. He is surrounding himself with people who truly love him."
Richard smiled warmly at Hannah, who held Toby's hand as they walked down the stone steps toward their waiting SUV, leaving the dark past behind forever.