Three months later the city courthouse was filled with curious people.
Reporters stood outside the front glass doors with active cameras.
Margarethe sat at the defense table in a dark grey suit.
Her high-priced defense attorney tried to dismiss the harsh charges.
Julian stepped up to the wooden witness stand with cool confidence.
He presented the bank documents and the recovered video evidence.
He showed the court the bank logs from the morning of the fall.
Margarethe had tried to access the trust fund four separate times.
The judge carefully reviewed every single piece of clear evidence.
He looked down at the defense table with a strict look.
He ruled that the video will was completely valid and binding.
Margarethe was found guilty of grand theft and attempted assault.
The judge sentenced her to ten full years in state prison.
Margarethe lowered her head as the bailiff led her away.
Elena sat in the front row and felt a heavy weight lift.
She looked over at Julian and offered a soft, thankful smile.
He walked over and took her hand in his strong grip.
They walked out of the loud courthouse into the warm sun.
The cool afternoon breeze felt clean and fresh on her face.
The long dark nightmare had finally come to a quiet end.
She was free to start her new life without fear.
The estate was safe and her mother's name was clean.
Julian promised to stand by her through every step ahead.
They drove back to the mansion together in the bright sun.
The house no longer felt cold or dark to her eyes.
It felt like a real home once again after many years.
She held the repaired pearl necklace around her neck with pride.
She was ready for whatever the future might bring her.