By late afternoon, Attorney Marcus arrived at the Vance estate.
He sat in the office, examining the forged documents and medical reports.
Marcus: This is a clear case of child endangerment and fraud, Ethan.
Ethan: Is it enough to put her behind bars?
Marcus: Combined with Elena's witness statement, absolutely.
Elena: I will testify against her in any court, sir.
Marcus: Good. But Victoria is smart. She might try to flee the country.
Ethan: How do we stop her before she runs?
Marcus: We set a trap. We offer her a settlement meeting tonight.
Marcus explained the plan to Ethan and Elena in detail.
They would invite Victoria back to the house under the pretense of signing a quiet NDA.
They would tell her that Ethan wanted to avoid a public scandal.
Victoria's greed would force her to return to demand a massive cash payment.
Meanwhile, the police would be waiting in the adjacent room.
Ethan picked up his phone and called Victoria's cell phone.
She answered on the second ring, her voice dripping with venom.
Victoria: What do you want, Ethan? Have you come to your senses?
Ethan: I want to avoid a legal mess, Victoria. Let us talk privately.
Victoria: I want five million dollars, or I ruin your reputation!
Ethan: Come to the house tonight at eight. My attorney will have the check.
Victoria: Smart choice, Ethan. I will be there.
Victoria hung up the phone with a triumphant laugh.
She believed she had won the ultimate psychological battle.
Ethan set his phone down on the desk with a stern expression.
Ethan: She fell for it completely.
Marcus: Now we inform Detective Harris to set up the arrest team.
Elena brought warm tea into the office for the men.
Elena: She thinks money can buy her way out of anything.
Ethan: Tonight, she learns that justice cannot be bought.
The sky outside began to darken as night approached the city.
Rain started to patter gently against the heavy glass windows.
The stage was set for the final reckoning.