Six months later, the main courtroom of the State District Court was packed with reporters, corporate executives, and public observers.
Richard Vance sat at the defense table wearing a grey prison jumpsuit, his face thin and his posture completely broken.
On the witness stand stood Amber, wearing a modest navy dress, her voice clear and steady as she addressed the jury.
Prosecutor: Miss Reed, please look at Exhibit C on the screen. Is that your signature on the tax shelter form?
Amber: Yes, sir. That is my signature.
Prosecutor: And did you know at the time that this form was being used to transfer two million dollars out of the Vance Trust?
Amber: No, sir. Richard told me it was an insurance form for our apartment. He held the pages down and told me to sign quickly before his meeting.
Richard's defense lawyer stood up angrily from his chair.
Defense Lawyer: Objection, Your Honor! The witness is offering uncorroborated testimony to protect herself!
Judge: Overruled. The witness may continue her testimony.
Amber: He lied to me about his marriage, he lied about his assets, and he used my name to cover his illegal bank transfers for two straight years.
In the front row of the gallery, Sienna sat next to her sister Clara, watching the proceedings with calm, dignified composure.
Clara reached over and squeezed Sienna's hand tightly, tears of relief in her eyes.
Clara: It's finally over, Sienna. He can't hurt our family anymore.
Sienna: Justice is finally being served, Clara.
After three hours of deliberation, the jury returned to the courtroom with their final verdict.
Judge: On the charge of grand larceny in the first degree, how do you find the defendant?
Jury Foreman: Guilty, Your Honor.
Judge: On the charge of corporate forgery and bank fraud, how do you find the defendant?
Jury Foreman: Guilty, Your Honor.
Richard slumped forward in his chair, burying his face in his hands as his lawyer tried to comfort him.
Judge: Richard Vance, for your crimes against the Vance Trust and the state financial system, I sentence you to twenty-five years in state prison without the possibility of parole for fifteen years.
The courtroom erupted into quiet chatter as the bailiffs led Richard away toward the back holding cells.
He turned his head one last time, looking at Sienna sitting in the front row, but she didn't even acknowledge his gaze.