Richard dropped his heavy leather briefcase onto the floor with a loud thud.
He dashed frantically across the marble, dropping down to his knees beside Chloe.
His face was pale with utter anguish as he placed a hand gently on her shoulder.
Richard: Chloe! Speak to me! Are you hurt?
Chloe: I... I slipped on the step, Richard. I am just so shaken up.
Richard: WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!
Richard glared up with absolute fury at Sarah standing on the staircase steps.
His voice echoed against the high white walls of the luxury Dallas mansion.
Richard: YOU ABSOLUTE CRIMINAL! LOOK WHAT YOU'VE CAUSED!
Sarah: I DIDN'T MEAN FOR THIS TO HAPPEN! IT WAS A TOTAL ACCIDENT!
Richard: STOP LYING! I SAW THE WHOLE THING WITH MY OWN EYES!
Sarah: She grabbed my arm first! She was trying to take my files!
Richard: I saw you reaching toward her on those stairs, Sarah!
Sarah: I was only trying to protect the confidential family business papers!
Richard stood up abruptly, his height towering with righteous anger over the room.
He marched directly up the first three steps toward where Sarah stood shaking.
Richard: You put my wife and unborn child in immediate danger today!
Sarah: Please, Richard! Listen to me before you make a terrible mistake!
Richard: You have lied to me for the very last time in this home!
Sarah: I dedicated my entire youth to building your commercial estate firm!
Richard: And you repaid my trust by embezzling millions from our family account!
Sarah backed away slowly, stumbling slightly against the upper wooden steps.
She collapsed down onto a step, resting her head in her hands while sobbing.
Richard turned back instantly to help Chloe sit up safely against a soft cushion.
He pulled out his smartphone with a steady, determined hand.
Richard: I am calling emergency services and the Dallas police department right now.
Chloe: Please check the bank papers on the floor first, Richard.
Richard: Nothing matters more than your health and safety right now, Chloe.
Chloe: Look at the signature on the secondary trust fund document.
Richard reached down and picked up a white page near Chloe’s feet.
His eyes narrowed as he read the forged signature written across the bottom line.