Three months later, the central Dallas courthouse was packed with news reporters.
Victoria sat at the defense table dressed in a plain grey prison jumpsuit attire.
Her expensive silver dress and fancy diamond jewelry were replaced by iron handcuffs.
The judge slammed his heavy wooden gavel onto the wooden block with authority.
Judge: The court is now in session for the final sentencing of Victoria Vance.
The prosecutor stood up and presented all the overwhelming evidence to the jury panel.
He displayed the forged adoption papers, the stolen identity documents, and the iron.
Prosecutor: The defendant showed total disregard for human life and law for pure greed.
Sarah took the witness stand, looking strong and healthy in a simple navy dress.
She looked straight into Victoria's cold eyes without a single trace of fear left.
Sarah: You tried to steal my life and my child, but truth defeated your cruelty.
The jury returned after less than thirty minutes of brief private deliberation.
Jury Foreman: We find the defendant guilty on all counts of fraud and kidnapping.
The judge cleared his throat and looked sternly down at Victoria from his bench.
Judge: I sentence you to forty years in state prison without early parole.
Victoria gasped as the courtroom broke out into loud cheers and happy applause.
Richard put his arm protectively around Sarah's shoulders as they stood up to leave.
Elena held baby Liam high in her arms, smiling brightly at her family's victory.
Victoria: This is not fair, I deserved that estate and that fortune!
Richard: You deserved nothing but the exact punishment you received today.
The guards led Victoria out through the back side doors to begin her long sentence.
The Sterling family walked out onto the bright sunny front steps of the courthouse.