The murmurs among the guests grew into loud gasps[cite: 1]. Influential board members and corporate investors stood near the gilded pillars, whispering angrily among themselves as they realized the depth of Victoria's betrayal[cite: 1].
Investor 1: Unbelievable... she tried to steal from her own late brother's son?
Investor 2: And she laid hands on a five-year-old child inside the ballroom[cite: 1]! She's a monster!
Victoria: Don't listen to them! Julian manipulated the legal documents! He wants the trust fund control for himself!
Julian: I don't need the trust fund money, Victoria. I have my own international logistics firm. Unlike you, I actually work for a living instead of leeching off deceased relatives.
Leo: Uncle Julian... can we go upstairs now? I don't like her yelling.
Julian: In a moment, Leo[cite: 1]. First, we need to let the police finish their job.
The heavy mahogany double doors at the main entrance of the ballroom creaked open[cite: 1]. Four uniformed police officers marched across the polished marble floor, their heavy boots clacking loudly against the stone[cite: 1]. Leading them was Detective Miller, holding a pair of steel handcuffs in his hand.
Detective Miller: Victoria Vance?
Victoria: What is the meaning of this?! Who authorized police inside a private charity gala?!
Detective Miller: Mr. Julian Vance provided us with audio recordings and financial statements proving grand larceny, child endangerment, and attempted trust fund embezzlement.
Victoria: Those recordings are illegal! You can't use them against me!
Detective Miller: The state prosecutor disagrees, ma'am. Please stand up and put your hands behind your back.
Two officers stepped forward, pulling Victoria up from the floor[cite: 1]. She kicked her feet and screamed curses, her red hair wild as the steel handcuffs snapped around her wrists.
Victoria: Julian! You can't do this to me! I am your father's sister! Tell them to let me go!
Julian: My father would have thrown you in prison himself if he were alive to see how you treated his grandson[cite: 1]. Take her away, Detective.
The crowd parted in silence as the officers marched Victoria out of the grand ballroom[cite: 1]. Her loud, hysterical screams faded down the front steps of the estate until the heavy oak doors finally closed shut[cite: 1].