Seraphine accepted a negotiated plea eighteen months after the doghouse incident.

She admitted to:

Child-endangerment-related conduct involving Maisie and Clara.

Unlawful confinement of Maisie.

Fraud-related misuse of Adrian’s electronic signature.

Other allegations were resolved or dismissed under the agreement.

No claim that she intended to physically injure either child.

Evidence did not support that.

She intended control.

Deception.

Financial manipulation.

Those were serious enough.

Her sentence included a custodial term followed by supervised release, restitution, mandatory treatment, and family-court restrictions.

At sentencing Seraphine spoke.

“I kept telling myself I needed a home that was mine.”

She looked toward Adrian.

Then toward no one in particular.

“I turned a six-year-old child into the reason I didn't have one.”

Adrian lowered his eyes.

Seraphine continued:

“I used my own baby to create a story about another child.”

Then:

“I do not expect either girl to forgive me.”

Maisie was not present.

Good.

The courtroom did not need her tears.

---