Three months later the official court trial began inside the packed downtown justice building.
The high ceilings and polished wood panels gave the courtroom a very serious feel.
Mark sat beside David at the prosecutor's table near the front of the room.
Helen sat across the aisle wearing a dark suit with her defense attorney beside her.
She looked tired and pale compared to her usual proud public appearance months ago.
The judge entered the room and called the formal court session to order immediately.
Judge: We are here to read the final verdict in the case of state versus Helen Miller.
The lead prosecutor stood up and presented the final evidence summary to the jury.
He showed the printed secret email logs discovered inside the father's old account drawer.
He pointed to the forged signatures on the legal estate distribution papers from years ago.
Prosecutor: The defendant deliberately stole over one million dollars from a grieving young boy.
Helen's defense lawyer tried to argue that she used the funds for family living costs.
However the forensic financial audit showed massive purchases for personal luxury items and property.
The jury left the room to deliberate while Mark waited nervously in his seat.
Two hours passed before the jury returned to take their places in the box.
Judge: Has the jury reached a unanimous verdict in this criminal case today, foreman?
Foreman: Yes your honor, we find the defendant guilty on all counts of grand theft.
Helen gasped loudly as her defense attorney held her arm to keep her steady.
The judge slammed his wooden gavel down onto the desk with a sharp echo.
Judge: Helen Miller, you are sentenced to seven years in state prison without early parole.
Judge: You are also ordered to return all stolen assets back to the legal estate.
Officers stepped forward and placed metal handcuffs around Helen's wrists behind her back.
She turned her head to look at Mark one last time as she was led away.
Mark saw no remorse in her eyes, only the anger of someone who got caught.
David turned to Mark and gave him a warm proud handshake at the table.
David: Your father would be so proud of how brave you were through this entire ordeal.
Mark: I just wanted the truth to be known and his wishes to be honored.
They walked out of the courtroom together into the bright warm afternoon sunlight outside.
Mark took a deep breath of fresh air as he descended the front stone steps.