Two weeks later, the local courtroom was filled with eager community reporters.
Victoria sat at the defense table dressed in simple grey court attire.
Her slick lawyers tried desperately to argue that it was an accident.
Defense Lawyer: My client simply lost her balance while watching the child!
Prosecutor: That is completely false, and we have an eyewitness today!
The judge called Sarah to the witness stand to testify clearly.
Sarah walked up calmly with her chin raised high in complete confidence.
She placed her hand on the Bible and swore to tell truth.
Prosecutor: Sarah, please tell the court what happened on the balcony.
Sarah: Victoria grabbed Lily and shoved her over the railing intentionally.
Defense Lawyer: Objection! The maid was too far away to see properly!
Judge: Overruled! The witness will continue her direct testimony now.
Sarah pointed directly at Victoria across the brightly lit legal courtroom.
Sarah: She told Lily that she would never inherit any family money!
The courtroom erupted into loud gasps and angry whispers from people.
Victoria glared at Sarah with sharp eyes filled with bitter anger.
Victoria: You are lying to destroy my rich reputation in town!
Judge: Silence in the court, or I will clear the room!
Mr. Sterling took the stand next to share his personal side.
He produced security camera footage from the downstairs main foyer area.
The video clearly showed Sarah sprinting fast and catching falling Lily safely.
It proved without a doubt that the child was thrown from above.
The defense team had no arguments left to save Victoria now.
Judge: The evidence against the defendant is completely overwhelming and clear.
Victoria: Please, judge, have mercy on me! I was stressed!
Judge: You showed no mercy to a helpless seven-year-old child.
The judge slammed his wooden gavel down with a loud boom sound.
He sentenced Victoria to ten years in state prison without parole.
Victoria wept bitterly as police officers led her away in handcuffs.
Sarah took a deep breath of relief as justice was finally served.
Mr. Sterling hugged Sarah tightly outside the large double court doors.