Three days earlier, I had been injured during an official military operation. I won’t describe the mission, but when I woke under sterile hospital lights

The jury deliberated for less than three hours.

When they returned to the courtroom, the verdict was absolute. Marcus Vance was found guilty on all nineteen counts and sentenced to twelve years in state prison without eligibility for early parole.

Sarah was found guilty of felony wire fraud and grand forgery. However, because my father had provided evidence showing she operated under extreme manipulation from Vance and Mom, the judge offered a reduced sentence: two years of intensive home confinement, three hundred hours of mandatory community service, and full court-ordered financial restitution to my estate over a ten-year period.

Mom was issued a severe civil fine and ordered to undergo mandatory financial counseling and addiction treatment for her gambling activities, funded through a court-monitored liquidation of her remaining personal jewelry assets.

As the bailiffs led Sarah away to process her sentencing paperwork, my father walked over to where I stood near the courtroom doors.

"You handled that with tremendous grace, Elena," Dad said, his voice thick with emotion.

"I handled it with justice, Dad," I corrected softly. "There’s a difference."

He looked at my mahogany cane, then up at my face. "What will you do now?"

"I've been cleared for light duty at the Military District Headquarters," I revealed, a faint smile touching my lips. "I’ll be working in strategic planning here in the city, which means I’ll be home with Leo and Maya every single night."

Dad nodded, tears welling in his eyes. "Can I... can I ever see the twins again, Elena? I understand if the answer is no."

I paused, looking at my father. He had made terrible mistakes, but when the moment of truth arrived, he had chosen honor over cowardice.

"You can see them on weekends, Dad," I said gently. "Under one condition."

"Anything," he agreed instantly.