The wind picked up across the plaza, blowing more scattered pages across the grand steps. People walking by on the busy sidewalk stopped to watch the intense drama unfolding under the American flag. Two city police officers patrolling the plaza began walking toward the stairs to see why voices were being raised near the main doors. Victoria noticed the approaching officers and tried to turn her cruel trick into a public scene of victimhood, pulling her yellow dress tight and raising her hand to her throat.
Victoria: Officers! Over here! This man is threatening me on public property!
Officer Davis: Is there a problem here, Ma'am? Everyone stay where you are.
David: No problem at all, Officer. In fact, you arrived just in time to secure evidence in an ongoing federal bank fraud and child trafficking investigation.
Victoria: He is lying! He is an unlicensed private eye harassing my legal team!
David pulled out his leather wallet, flipped it open, and displayed a bright silver badge from the Federal Special Task Force on Judicial Corruption. The two police officers instantly stopped, recognized the high-level authority, and stood at strict attention on the steps. Victoria face turned bright red as her mouth dropped open in shock. Her lead lawyer immediately dropped his leather briefcase onto the stone floor, shaking his head and stepping three feet away from his wealthy client.
Lawyer: I had no knowledge of any offshore wire transfers, Agent Sterling! I was just hired for the custody hearing!
Victoria: Shut your mouth, you coward! I pay you to represent my interests, not to cringe before a federal agent!
Sarah: You paid him to destroy my family, Victoria! You wanted Emily because her biological father left his entire estate and family trust in her name before he passed away!
The deep secret was finally out in the open air of the Dallas sun. Victoria was not trying to adopt Emily out of love or charity; she wanted legal control over a fifty million dollar child trust fund left behind by her late brother. For years, Sarah had worked as a humble nurse caring for Victoria sick brother during his final days, never knowing he had named her little daughter as his sole heir to prevent Victoria from squandering the entire family fortune on failing real estate developments.
David: The bank records, the forged signature, and the illegal break-in last night all point back to your personal office, Victoria.
Victoria: You cannot touch me! My family built this city! My lawyers will destroy your career before sunset!
David: You have just made the biggest mistake of your life!