Arthur stared down at Victoria with cold, unwavering fury.
Victoria tried to regain her haughty composure despite her trembling hands.
Victoria: You have no proof of anything!
Victoria: My dress caught on the railing, that is all!
Arthur did not debate her lies for even one moment.
He swung his open hand around in a swift, sharp arch.
The loud slap echoed sharply off the hard marble walls.
Victoria's head snapped to the side from the sheer force.
Her expensive pearl necklace snapped instantly into pieces.
Hundreds of white pearls scattered and bounced across the bright floor.
Victoria fell backward onto the cold ground, clutching her red cheek.
She shrieked in anger and shame, her blue dress pooling around her.
Victoria: How dare you strike me! I am a Vance!
Arthur: I do not care who you think you are!
Arthur stood directly over her lying on the polished marble.
The massive American flag hung right behind him on the wall.
He leaned down closer, his voice booming across the broad hall.
Arthur: DON'T YOU EVER DARE TOUCH MY CHILD AGAIN!
Arthur: YOU WILL ROT IN MAXIMUM SECURITY PRISON FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE!
Arthur: GUARDS, ARREST THIS MONSTER NOW!
Four heavy security officers rushed forward from the main doors.
They pinned Victoria's arms firmly behind her back immediately.
She kicked her feet and screamed curses at Arthur and the crowd.
Victoria: Get your filthy hands off my dress!
Victoria: My lawyers will destroy all of you by morning!
The head security officer snapped metal handcuffs around her wrists.
Officer: You are under arrest for attempted endangerment and assault.
The crowd broke into loud applause as the guards dragged her up.
Victoria's mascara ran down her pale face in messy streaks.
She looked around desperately, but no one offered her any help.
Even her former business associates turned their backs on her entirely.
Arthur stood tall, watching her get pulled toward the exit doors.
He took a deep breath, letting the anger settle down inside him.
He turned back toward Clara and his crying baby girl.
He took his daughter into his arms again, holding her close.
The little girl buried her head safely into his warm shoulder.