Julian’s mouth snapped shut. He looked desperately at his father, but Harrison was staring blankly at the legal papers lying on the hood of his car.
Julian's Father: We're completely ruined... Julian, you foolish boy... what did you do to her in that room?
Julian: I just told her to sign the papers! You were the one who told me we needed her trust fund access before the bank closed today!
Julian's Mother: Julian, shut your mouth right now! People are listening to you!
Arthur: It doesn't matter who hears, Evelyn. Everything your son just confessed was picked up by my vehicle’s exterior recording system. Marcus, did the transmission go through?
Marcus: Live stream verified, Mr. Vance. The District Attorney’s office has received the complete audio file.
Julian's Father: The District Attorney? You sent our private family conversation to the prosecution?
Arthur: I didn't send it for a civil suit, Harrison. I sent it so the NYPD could arrest your son for felony assault and attempted grand larceny.
Sirens echoed through the streets of New York, growing louder as four police cruisers turned onto the driveway, their red and blue lights flashing against the grand marble columns of the mansion.
Julian's Mother: No! Not my son! Julian, get inside the house right now!
Police Officer: Nobody move! Stay exactly where you are!
The cruisers screeched to a halt on the stone pavement. Four armed officers stepped out, moving quickly toward the portico as they assessed the situation.
Police Officer: Mr. Vance? We received the high-priority dispatch regarding an ongoing domestic assault and financial coercion.
Arthur: Officer, thank you for your quick response. My daughter is currently receiving emergency medical treatment in my vehicle for cuts inflicted by Julian Sterling.
Julian: He’s lying! He broke into my wedding reception and kicked me in the chest!
Police Officer: Keep quiet, sir. Mr. Vance, do you have the verified video file of the initial incident?
Arthur: Marcus, present the encrypted feed from two-fifteen PM today to the officer.
Marcus handed a tablet to the lead officer. As the officer watched the video, his expression hardened, his jaw clenching as he saw Julian violently grab Clara’s arm and throw her against the glass display table.
Police Officer: That is more than sufficient. Officers, place Mr. Julian Sterling under arrest immediately.
Julian's Mother: Don't touch my son! You have no right to arrest a Sterling in this city!
Police Officer: Ma'am, step back immediately or you will be placed under arrest for obstruction of justice!
The officers grabbed Julian’s arms, pulling him down onto the cold pavement. Julian screamed in pain as his bruised chest hit the ground, but the officers showed no hesitation, snapping the heavy steel handcuffs tightly around his wrists.
Julian: Dad! Call our lawyers! Call the mayor! Do something!
Julian's Father: I can't do anything, Julian... the accounts are gone... everything is gone...
Julian: You told me this marriage would solve all our debt problems! You said her money was ours!
Arthur: Her money was never yours, Julian. And now, neither is your freedom.