Two weeks later, the family court hearing took place in downtown Dallas.
The courtroom was quiet, filled only with the soft rustle of official papers.
Victoria sat at the defense table wearing a sharp designer dress.
Her lawyer looked nervous as he shuffled through a thin stack of papers.
Richard and Lily sat at the prosecution table next to Arthur.
The judge, a stern woman with grey hair, looked over her reading glasses.
Judge Vance: We are here to review the motion for an emergency restraining order and asset freeze.
Defense Attorney: Your Honor, my client was simply enforcing household rules on her stepdaughter.
Defense Attorney: This is a family matter that has been blown vastly out of proportion.
Arthur stood up calmly and adjusted his navy blue tie.
Arthur: Your Honor, we submit Exhibit A into the record.
Arthur: It contains video footage of the respondent forcing the minor into unpaid labor.
Arthur: It also shows physical restriction, confiscation of communication devices, and financial theft.
Arthur stepped forward and handed a USB drive to the court bailiff.
The large flat-screen monitor on the courtroom wall flickered to life.
The clear footage played, filling the quiet room with the sounds of Victoria's harsh orders.
Victoria leaned back in her chair, her cheeks flushing bright red with embarrassment.
Several spectators in the gallery gasped as they saw the conditions Lily endured.
Judge Vance watched the video with a darkening, furious expression.
She paused the tape and looked directly down at Victoria.
Judge Vance: Mrs. Victoria, do you deny that this is you in these videos?
Victoria opened her mouth to speak, but her lawyer quickly touched her arm.
Victoria: I... I was trying to teach her responsibility...
Judge Vance: You were abusing a child in her own home while her father was away.
Judge Vance: This court finds your actions appalling and completely unlawful.
The judge slammed her wooden gavel down onto the block with a sharp crack.
Judge Vance: I am granting a permanent protection order for Lily and Mr. Richard.
Judge Vance: All marital assets are frozen, and criminal charges will be referred to the District Attorney.
Victoria gasped as two court officers stepped up behind her chair.
Victoria: Richard, please! You can't let them do this to me!
Richard didn't look back as officers placed Victoria under arrest for theft and endangerment.
Lily held her father's hand tightly, feeling the heavy burden lift from her heart.