Six months later, the high wooden doors of the federal courthouse swung open to a room filled with news reporters, photographers, and public spectators.
Julianne sat at the defense table wearing a plain blue county jail jumpsuit, her bright blonde hair dull and tied back in a messy knot, her wrists bound in steel cuffs[cite: 1].
Her defense attorney leaned in close, leaning over his paperwork with a stressed expression.
Attorney Miller: Julianne, the prosecution has thirty-six hours of continuous security footage, two medical reports detailing the baby's injuries, and Elena's eyewitness testimony. We cannot win this trial.
Julianne: I don't care! I am not going to prison for a minor discipline issue!
Attorney Miller: The charge isn't minor discipline! It’s felony child abuse, gross neglect, and second-degree assault! If we don't take the plea bargain, you are looking at twenty years!
Julianne: My father promised he would talk to the judge!
Attorney Miller: Your father released a public statement yesterday completely cutting all financial ties with you to protect his corporation. You are on your own.
Julianne’s face drained of color as the heavy oak gavel struck the wooden bench at the front of the room[cite: 1].
Judge Sterling: Order in the court. We are here today for final sentencing in the case of the State versus Julianne Vance.
Christopher Vance stood up from the front row of the gallery, dressed in a sharp dark suit, holding a folder containing the final divorce decree[cite: 1].
Judge Sterling: Mr. Vance, as the victim's father, you may make your victim impact statement.
Christopher: Thank you, Your Honor. Six months ago, I walked into my home and saw the woman sitting at that table dragging my infant son on a leash across stone marble. She showed no remorse, no mercy, and no love.
Julianne: Christopher, please...
Christopher: She married me for status, wealth, and power, and treated an innocent child like garbage because he stood in the way of her selfishness. I ask this court to show her the exact same mercy she showed my son.
Judge Sterling: Thank you, Mr. Vance. The court has seen the evidence, and the footage provided is some of the most appalling child neglect I have witnessed in my twenty years on the bench.
The judge looked down at Julianne with severe disappointment[cite: 1].
Judge Sterling: Julianne Vance, I sentence you to fifteen years in state prison without the possibility of early parole. Furthermore, a permanent order of protection is enacted. You will never come within five thousand feet of Leo Vance or Christopher Vance for the rest of your natural life.
Julianne: No! No! You can't do this to me! Christopher! Help me!
The bailiffs stepped forward, grabbing Julianne’s arms and dragging her toward the side exit door as she screamed and kicked violently[cite: 1].
Julianne: You ruined my life, Christopher! I'll get out one day! I'll get my revenge!
Christopher turned his back on her, completely ignoring her screams as she was hauled away behind heavy steel doors[cite: 1].