Three months later, the sun shone brightly through the clean windows of the Dallas courthouse.
Sarah walked through the heavy wooden doors into the courtroom using a sleek wooden cane.
Her collarbone had healed well, and her smile had finally returned to her bright face.
Mark walked right beside her, wearing a sharp grey suit with a matching blue tie.
Margarethe sat at the defense table wearing a plain orange jumpsuit, her hair tied back tightly.
Her expensive satin gowns and diamond rings were gone, replaced by strict court-ordered detention.
The judge cleared his throat and looked sternly down over his high wooden bench.
Judge: Margarethe Vance, the evidence presented by the prosecution is overwhelming and clear.
Margarethe: Your Honor, I maintain that it was an tragic accident!
Judge: The forensic evidence from the balcony railing completely contradicts your claim today.
The judge picked up his heavy wooden gavel and looked directly at the defendant.
Judge: You are sentenced to twenty years in state prison without early parole options.
Margarethe slumped back into her chair, burying her face in her hands in total defeat.
Sarah looked over at her brother, feeling a deep sense of relief washing over her heart.
Sarah: It is finally over, Mark.
Mark: Yes, it is. The estate is safe, and so are you.
They left the courthouse together, stepping out into the warm, bright Texas sunshine outside.
The family trust fund was fully restored to Sarah, allowing her to finish her college education easily.
They returned to the estate that weekend, opening all the massive windows to let fresh air in.
The dark clouds that had hung over the home for months were finally gone forever now.
Sarah stood near the bottom of the grand staircase, looking up at the clean white railing.
She knew that truth and family unity had triumphed over greed and cruel deception.
Mark walked over and wrapped his arm around her shoulders with a soft smile on his face.
Mark: Let's rebuild this home into something our father would truly be proud of.
Sarah: I would love nothing more in the world, brother.