“Under the state’s asset forfeiture laws, all properties and accounts held by the defendants are stripped.”

“These assets will be returned in full to the victim, Sadie Davis.”

“Furthermore, the court orders full restitution for all damages and legal fees.”

He turned his attention to my parents.

“For the charges of attempted murder and kidnapping, you are both sentenced to twenty-five years in state prison.”

My mother let out a sharp cry, but the deputies quickly silenced her.

The judge then looked at Melanie.

“For your primary role in the conspiracy, forgery, and attempted murder, you are sentenced to fifteen years.”

Melanie stood up, knocking her chair backward against the wooden railing.

“She lied!” Melanie screamed, pointing a finger at me.

“She took everything from us!”

“It was our money!”

Two deputies grabbed her arms, forcing her hands behind her back.

She struggled against them, her face turning red as she yelled obscenities.

“Get her out of my courtroom,” Judge Thomas said calmly.

I watched them drag her through the side door, her heels dragging on the carpeted floor.

The door clicked shut, and the room fell silent again.