Three months later, the Dallas county courthouse courtroom was packed with people.
Reporters sat along the back rows writing notes about the famous trial.
Margarethe sat at the defense desk wearing a plain grey county suit.
Her former proud posture was gone, replaced by a quiet defeated look.
Judge Lawson: We will now hear the final verdict in this matter.
Clara sat next to Mark in the front row holding his hand.
Mark: Whatever happens, she will never step foot near our house again.
Clara: I just want this painful chapter to be officially closed forever.
The jury foreman stood up slowly and adjusted his reading glass wire frame.
Jury Foreman: On the charge of attempted assault, we find the defendant guilty.
A quiet wave of gasps and whispers filled the crowded wooden courtroom.
Margarethe closed her eyes tightly as the heavy decision hit her ears.
Judge Lawson: Margarethe Vance, you are sentenced to ten years state imprisonment.
Margarethe lowered her head silently as the judge struck the wooden gavel.
Margarethe: Please, your honor, grant me leniency for my age!
Judge Lawson: Your actions on that balcony showed a total lack of mercy.
The court bailiff stepped forward and escorted Margarethe out through the side door.
She glanced back at Clara one last time with no remaining fight left.
Clara took a long deep breath of fresh air inside the quiet courtroom.
Clara: It is finally over, Mark. We can go back home now.
Mark: Let us build something beautiful and lasting with our father's legacy.
They walked out of the heavy courtroom doors together into bright daylight.
Reporters called out questions as they walked down the stone exterior steps.
Reporter: Clara, how do you feel about the jury's final verdict today?
Clara: Justice was served properly, and my family can finally heal in peace.
Mark opened the car door for his sister under the clear blue sky.
Mark: Ready to head back to the estate house for a fresh start?
Clara: I have never been more ready in my entire life, Mark.
The heavy shadow that hung over their lives had lifted completely away.