Three months passed before the court trial reached its final judgment day.
The city courtroom was packed with reporters, lawyers, and curious local citizens.
Evelyn Vance sat at the defense table wearing a plain gray outfit.
Her high-priced defense lawyers looked nervous as the judge read the evidence.
Julian and Clara sat together on the front wooden bench in courtroom.
Clara's belly was noticeably larger now, safe in her final trimester.
The prosecutor stood up and held up a dark memory storage drive.
Prosecutor: Your Honor, we have retrieved the security camera footage today.
Evelyn: That security footage was supposed to be completely encrypted and private!
Judge: Order in this courtroom, or I will cite you for contempt!
The high-definition video played on two large screens mounted on walls.
The video clearly showed Evelyn grabbing Clara's arm and pushing her forward.
It also showed Julian diving across the floor to catch Clara perfectly.
The courtroom gasped loudly as the dramatic footage played out in real time.
Evelyn dropped her head onto her hands, unable to deny the truth.
Her lead lawyer leaned over and whispered softly into her ear shaking head.
Judge: The evidence against the defendant Evelyn Vance is totally overwhelming.
The judge cleared her throat and looked directly at the defense table.
Judge: Mrs. Vance, your actions put two innocent human lives in danger.
Evelyn: I was only trying to protect my family's financial legacy!
Judge: Money does not place anyone above the criminal laws of land.
The judge slammed the wooden gavel down hard against the wooden block.
Judge: I sentence you to seven years in federal prison facility.
Evelyn was led away by bailiffs while crying bitter tears of regret.
She looked back at Julian one last time, but he turned away.
Julian wrapped his arm tightly around Clara as they walked outside together.
Fresh air swept across the courthouse steps as reporters crowded around them.
Julian made a brief statement to the camera crews standing in front.
Julian: True family is built on love and protection, not wealth or power.