Three months later, Mark stood inside the quiet Dallas county courtroom.
The judge sat high on the bench looking down at the legal files.
Victoria sat at the defense table with her high-priced lawyer beside her.
She wore a simple grey jumpsuit instead of her dark designer dresses.
The judge cleared his throat and began reading the final court order.
"The evidence of endangerment and fraud is overwhelming," the judge stated.
"Victoria, you are sentenced to five years in state prison," he announced.
"All claims to the estate and trust fund are hereby stripped," he added.
Victoria stared at the wooden floor with a completely broken expression.
She had gambled her freedom for money and lost every single thing.
Mark watched from the gallery without any anger left in his heart.
He felt only relief that justice had been served by the law.
He walked out of the courtroom into the bright outdoor sunshine again.
His sister was waiting near the steps while holding happy little Leo.
Leo giggled and reached his tiny hands out toward his loving father.
Mark scooped his boy up high into the warm Texas air above.
"We made it, buddy," Mark said with a bright smile on his face.
They walked together toward their new home in the quiet countryside town.
Mark knew that real wealth was standing right there in his arms.