Within minutes, the lead security officer reached the upper balcony with two uniformed guards.
The atmosphere in the grand hall was thick with anger and whispered conversations.
David stood near the main staircase, keeping his daughter safe in his arms.
Mark pointed directly at Evelyn, who was trying to gather her composure by the railing.
Mark: Officer, review the feed from camera four immediately before she tries to leave.
Security Officer: We already have the footage pulled up on the security monitor down downstairs.
Evelyn: This is a private family matter, officer, there is no need for this drama.
Security Officer: Ma'am, endangering a child is not a private matter under any circumstances.
Evelyn tried to push past the guards, but one of them stepped directly into her path.
The guests below watched in tense silence as the reality of the situation took hold.
David looked down at his daughter, who was finally calming down against his chest.
David: I want her formally removed from this venue and pressed with full charges.
Evelyn: You're destroying this family's name over nothing, David!
David: You destroyed it the moment you let your greed put a baby in danger!
The security guard escorted Evelyn toward the side exit, keeping a tight hold on her arm.
Her expensive maroon dress looked rumpled, and her sharp posture had completely collapsed.
As she walked past the board members, not a single person looked her in the eye.
Mark walked over to David and placed a supportive hand on his brother's shoulder.
Mark: I'm so sorry, David, I should have stopped her from getting near Lily.
David: You couldn't have known how far she would push things tonight.
Mark: What are you going to do about the estate and the legal trust now?
David: I am hiring a top family lawyer tomorrow morning to cut her off entirely.
They watched the heavy doors close behind Evelyn as she was led outside to wait for police.
David took a deep breath, feeling the heavy weight of terror finally lift from his heart.
He knew the fight was far from over, but his primary duty was clear.