Although Claire's heart ached, she kept her back straight and her chin up as she followed the guard through the correctional facility's halls. She carried a visitor's pass. Sandra was being held inside.

All her life, she never imagined she would be in such a place, but here she was. Eric had wanted to accompany her, but she'd refused, only allowing him to drive her and wait outside. Perhaps another time they could visit Sandra together, but for now, she wanted to see her alone. "This way, ma'am," the guard said gruffly, opening a heavy door that groaned on its hinges.

Claire swallowed hard and nodded, stepping inside. The small room contained a table and two chairs bolted to the floor.

"She'll be here shortly," the guard said before leaving and locking the door.

Claire sat, her hands folded tightly in her lap. She'd rehearsed this moment countless times, but now, every word seemed to elude her.

The door opened, and Claire gasped as Sandra shuffled in, head bowed, hands cuffed. Claire's chest tightened; tears welled in her eyes at the sight of her daughter, so thin and pale.

When Sandra finally looked up, her face crumpled. "Mom…" Her voice broke, a sob escaping. Claire's palm struck Sandra's cheek.

"How could you do this to me?" Claire cried, tears streaming. "How could you make me come here?"

"Sit down," the guard ordered.

"I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry for everything… for hurting you. I didn't mean to. I didn't mean to push you!" Sandra cried, tears flowing as they both sat.

Claire reached across the table, her hands shaking. She gently touched Sandra's face. "No contact," the guard warned harshly, but Claire didn't pull away, brushing away Sandra's tears.

"I never blamed you," Claire said softly, her voice trembling. "I've forgiven you."

Sandra shook her head, her sobs muffling her words. "I didn't push you on purpose… I swear. I—"

"I know. I know it was an accident," Claire interrupted gently. Her voice cracked, but she continued. "I know you didn't mean to hurt me. And I thank God every day it happened because it stopped you from doing something far worse. You didn't hurt Evelyn."

Sandra's tear-streaked face was anguish itself. "If you had died, Mom, I couldn't have lived with myself. I couldn't have forgiven myself!"

"But I didn't die, Sandra." Claire's voice was firm, though tears flowed. "I'm here. And I came to tell you it isn't too late to change."

Sandra's gaze dropped. She sniffled, wiping her face with her cuffed hands. "What's the point, Mom? Even if I change… my life is over."

"No, Sandra. Your life isn't over," Claire said, leaning closer. Her voice softened, but held steel. "You pleaded guilty, and tomorrow we'll learn your sentence. With good behavior, you could get out early."

Sandra let out a shaky breath and looked up. "And then what? What's waiting for me?"

Claire smiled through her tears. "Then, Sandra, you'll earn your place back in our lives. And I'll be waiting. You'll show everyone the wonderful woman you can be. You'll show yourself."

Sandra hesitated, her lips trembling. "I don't think so. I don't think I have it in me. Evelyn… Evelyn told me about my father," she said quietly, "and about Derek's biological parents."

Claire nodded slowly. "You are not your father, Sandra. He was responsible for his choices, and you are responsible for yours. And even if his evil blood runs through your veins, my good blood runs through yours, too." She reached out, her fingers brushing Sandra's hands. "And goodwill always overcomes evil. Always. But only if you let it. Let the good in you show, Sandra. Let it shine. Let go of everything else."

Tears welled in Sandra's eyes, but this time, there was a glimmer of determination. "And Dad?" Sandra asked, avoiding her mother's eyes.

She knew her stepfather's disappointment.

"He will be waiting, too. He wanted to come, but I asked him to let me see you alone…"

"Isn't he mad?" Sandra asked, looking up.

"He's disappointed, but like me, he hopes you change. We'll be waiting to get our daughter back," Claire said. Sandra nodded slowly, fighting back tears.

"I won't disappoint you again, Mom. I promise," she said quietly.

Claire smiled, her heart aching but full of love. "I hope so, my dear. I truly do."

"What about Michael?" Sandra asked hesitantly.

"He was sentenced to five years for embezzlement," Claire said, and Sandra sighed sadly. She knew she owed him an apology.

"Tell everyone I'm sorry," she said, and Claire nodded.

"I have to leave now. We have shopping to do for Evie's wedding," Claire said, watching Sandra's unchanged expression. "Will you come to court tomorrow?"

"Yes. We all will be," Claire assured her, noting they'd missed the first hearing due to Claire's hospitalization.

"Will you visit me?" Sandra asked. Claire nodded.

"Every chance I get," Claire promised. "And I'll wait for you. Patiently. I'll be here when you come home."

As Claire left, she sighed. She'd rather see Sandra behind bars than let her continue down that path. For now, she'd focus on Evelyn and her grandchildren, patiently waiting for Sandra's return.

The following day, the courtroom buzzed. Claire sat with Eric, her hands clasped tightly; Evelyn sat beside her, hand in Derek's; Rayna and Ethan were behind them. They watched as Sandra was led in by two guards, in a gray jumpsuit, wrists shackled. She kept her head down. Claire sat tall, determined to be strong for Sandra.

The judge entered; the room fell silent. "All rise," the bailiff called.

"This court is now in session," the judge declared. "We are here to determine the sentencing of Sandra Quinn, convicted of three counts of attempted murder: two of first-degree, one of second-degree."

Sandra stood; her face was pale, eyes red-rimmed. Claire watched, willing her to stay strong.

They listened as the prosecutor and defense attorney presented their arguments.

"While we do not excuse her actions, Your Honor, we ask for leniency, acknowledging her remorse and willingness to change," the defense attorney concluded.

The judge listened impassively. Sandra stepped forward, her shackles clinking. She raised her head; her voice trembled, but was clear. "I am so sorry for what I did. I hurt everyone, and I almost destroyed my family. I can't take back what I've done, but I promise to spend every day making amends."

Claire wiped a tear away, pride swelling in her chest.

The judge leaned forward. "Sandra Quinn, your actions were deliberate and caused significant harm. You endangered lives and betrayed the trust of those closest to you. However, I acknowledge your remorse and your plea for a chance to change." Sandra held her breath.

"It is, therefore, the judgment of this court that you shall be committed to the custody of the Department of Corrections for 20 years to life. You shall receive credit for time served and shall be eligible for parole after fifteen years for good behavior. The court further orders you to undergo counseling and treatment as directed by the probation department. Let this serve as a reminder of the gravity of your actions and as an opportunity to rebuild your life."

The gavel struck. Sandra's knees buckled; a guard steadied her. Claire stood, tears streaming; Eric and Evelyn offered comfort.

Sandra was led out, her steps slow. She briefly met her mother's gaze. Claire mouthed, "I love you." Sandra nodded, her gaze shifting to Evelyn.

"I'm sorry," she whispered. Evelyn nodded, tears falling. Sandra might have been terrible, but she was still her sister.