Three weeks later, the downtown county courthouse was packed with people.
Reporters sat in every row of the gallery watching the high-profile case.
Victoria sat at the defense table in a sharp dark grey suit.
Her lawyer argued aggressively to dismiss the serious criminal charges against her.
Defense Attorney: My client was merely defending her lawful marital property rights.
Prosecutor: Your client pushed a young woman off a high balcony rail!
Defense Attorney: That fall was an unfortunate accident caused by slippery floor beads.
Prosecutor: We call Mr. Leo Vance to the witness stand today.
Leo stood up from his seat and walked confidently to the stand.
He swore the oath and looked directly at the jury panel members.
Prosecutor: Mr. Vance, please tell the jury what you saw that afternoon.
Leo: I saw Victoria intentionally cut Clara's mother's heirloom pearl necklace.
Leo: Then I saw her shove Clara away when she tried to hold on.
Defense Attorney: Objection, the witness cannot know my client's true intentions!
Judge: Overruled, the witness will continue testifying about what he saw.
Prosecutor: Please play video exhibit B for the court screen right now.
The high-definition balcony video played clearly on the large wall monitors.
The jury watched in total silence as Victoria's actions were revealed frame-by-frame.
Victoria lowered her head and closed her eyes in bitter failure today.
She knew no argument could overcome the clear digital video evidence shown.
The jury deliberate for less than forty-five minutes before returning court.
Judge: Has the jury reached a unanimous verdict in this case?
Jury Foreman: We have, your Honor, on all counts presented today.
Jury Foreman: We find the defendant guilty of grand theft and attempted assault.
Gasps broke out across the crowded courtroom as the verdict was read.
Victoria stood motionless as the judge handed down the heavy maximum sentence.
Judge: You will serve ten years in state prison without early parole.
Clara squeezed Leo's hand tightly as tears of relief filled her eyes.
The long battle to protect her father's legacy was finally over now.
Victoria was led away through the side doors in heavy wrist chains.
She did not look back at Clara or the courtroom gallery once.