The judge delivered the final verdict after only one hour of careful jury deliberation.
Laura was sentenced to twelve years in state prison without early parole options available.
All stolen trust fund money was ordered returned to young Leo account immediately today.
Arthur and Elena walked out of the courthouse together into the warm afternoon sunshine.
Reporters shouted questions from behind police barricades as the family walked to their car.
Reporter: Mr. Montgomery, how does it feel to finally get full legal justice?
Arthur: Justice was served, but my focus now is healing my son heart completely.
They drove back to the quiet luxury mansion in peaceful silence, leaving legal trouble behind.
The high marble entrance felt different now, no longer heavy with hidden cruel tension.
Leo was waiting in the main living room, playing quietly with his favorite wooden blocks.
He ran to the door the moment he heard his father footsteps cross the floor.
Leo: Dad, is the bad stepmother gone away for a long time now?
Arthur: Yes son, she will never come back here or bother us ever again.
Arthur knelt down and hugged his small boy tightly, holding back emotional tears today.
He looked up at Elena, who was quietly gathering school books off the table.
Arthur: Elena, you are far more than just household staff to this family now.
Arthur: I want to offer you a permanent position as Leo official guardian and house manager.
Arthur: With double your current salary and full medical benefits for your own family.
Elena paused, a soft smile spreading across her calm and gentle face slowly.
Elena: I do not need extra money, Mr. Montgomery, but I will stay gladly.
Elena: Leo is like family to me, and family stays together when times get tough.
Leo hugged Elena around her waist, laughing happily for the first time in months.