Two bailiffs stepped forward, their leather utility belts squeaking in the quiet room.

They moved behind Ethan and Margaret, their hands reaching for the silver handcuffs at their hips.

I watched the metal cuffs click around Ethan’s wrists.

He looked back at me one last time, his eyes wide with fear and anger.

I did not look away.

I wanted him to see that I was still standing.

The bailiffs led them out through the heavy door at the side of the courtroom.

The door clicked shut behind them.

The courtroom began to empty, people whispering as they gathered their coats.

Rachel turned to me, her eyes shining with tears.

“It’s over, Natalie,” she said.

“You got it back.”

“I got it back,” I repeated.

I looked down at my hands.

They were steady now.

I felt the smooth gold ring on my left hand, the one my mother had given me before she died.

I knew what I had to do next.

I did not want the estate.

I did not want to walk through those tall, cold hallways ever again.