Chapter 9: Justice and a New Dawn
The trial was swift. Confronted with the attempted murder charge and Lily's brave testimony via video link, Victoria’s icy facade crumbled. She was sentenced to twenty-five years in federal prison without parole.
On a bright spring morning, Arthur drove to the county jail. When Rosa walked out, her charges entirely dropped, Arthur fell to his knees in front of her, begging for forgiveness. Rosa, with tears in her eyes, lifted him up and hugged him.
Months later, the mansion felt warm again. Eleanor, having miraculously awoken and recovered, sat in the garden in her wheelchair, a warm blanket over her legs. Little Lily sat on Rosa’s lap, laughing as the maid braided her hair. Arthur watched them from the porch, holding a cup of coffee, finally at peace. The nightmare was over, and the family was whole again.
