The metal handcuffs clicked tightly around Marcus's wrists.
He cursed loudly as the officers led him outside.
Detective Davis turned back to face Margaret with respect.
Detective Davis: I am deeply sorry for the distress today ma'am.
Margaret: Thank you for looking at the real evidence detective.
Detective Davis: Your stepdaughter will face questions about her false statement.
Margaret: I hope she learns the truth about her husband now.
The detective walked out and closed the heavy door.
The mansion became completely peaceful once again in sunlight.
Margaret sat down on her soft sofa near the window.
She felt a huge weight lift off her shoulders.
Two days later she visited Emily at the city hospital.
Emily was sitting up in bed with a neck brace.
Her face looked pale and filled with deep shame.
Emily: Marcus told me you changed the final will papers.
Margaret: He lied to you so he could take everything.
Emily: I almost lost my life because of his greed.
Margaret: I saved the estate so we could share it.
Emily reached out her weak hand across the white bed sheet.
Margaret took her hand and squeezed it with warm love.
Emily: Can you ever forgive me for accusing you Margaret?
Margaret: We are family and family heals together always.
Tears rolled down Emily's cheeks as she smiled softly.
Marcus was sentenced to fifteen years in state prison.
The court proved he planned the tragic staircase accident.
Margaret and Emily restored their father's grand Dallas mansion.
They used the family estate money to open a shelter.
Truth and love proved stronger than greed and lies.
Margaret walked up her wooden stairs with absolute peace now.