Julian’s mouth shut tight. He looked at his father, waiting for a defense, but Harrison was staring blankly at the legal papers lying on the hood of his car.
Julian's Father: We're ruined... Julian, you idiot... what did you do to her in that room?
Julian: I just told her to sign the papers! She was refusing to hand over the trust fund access! You told me to make sure she signed it before the reception!
Julian's Mother: Julian, keep your mouth shut! The guards are listening!
Arthur: It’s too late, Evelyn. Everything your son just admitted was captured on my vehicle's dash camera and wireless microphone. Marcus, did you upload the audio stream?
Marcus: Live stream sent directly to the District Attorney's office, Mr. Vance. Police units are three minutes away.
Julian's Father: Police? You called the police to my house?
Arthur: I didn't call them for a trespasser, Harrison. I called them to arrest your son for felony assault and attempted grand larceny.
Sirens echoed in the distance, growing louder as three police cruisers pulled through the iron gates of the estate, their red and blue lights flashing across the manicured lawns.
Julian's Mother: No! Not my son! Julian, run inside!
Police Officer: Nobody move! Stay exactly where you are!
The cruisers screeched to a halt on the gravel driveway. Four armed officers stepped out, their hands resting on their holsters as they assessed the chaos on the front lawn.
Police Officer: Mr. Vance? We received an emergency broadcast regarding an ongoing assault and financial extortion at this residence.
Arthur: Officer, thank you for arriving so quickly. My daughter is currently receiving emergency medical treatment in the back of my SUV for cuts inflicted by Julian Sterling.
Julian: He’s lying! He broke into my wedding and kicked me in the chest!
Police Officer: Sir, quiet down. Mr. Vance, do you have video evidence of the alleged initial assault?
Arthur: Marcus, show the officer the encrypted feed from the bridal suite at two-fifteen PM today.
Marcus handed an iPad to the lead officer. As the officer watched the screen, his face hardened, his brow furrowing as he witnessed Julian grabbing Clara’s arm, twisting it, and throwing her violently toward the glass table.
Police Officer: That's more than enough. Officers, secure Mr. Julian Sterling immediately.
Julian's Mother: Don't touch him! You don't know who we are!
Police Officer: Ma'am, step back right now or you will be arrested for obstruction of justice!
The two officers grabbed Julian’s arms, pulling him down onto the gravel driveway. Julian screamed in pain as his cracked ribs shifted under the pressure, but the officers didn't hesitate, snapping the heavy steel handcuffs around his wrists.
Julian: Dad! Do something! Call the governor! Call anyone!
Julian's Father: I... I can't do anything, Julian... the accounts are completely frozen...
Julian: You promised me this wedding would fix everything! You said her money would clear our debts!
Arthur: Her money was never yours to take, Julian. And now, neither is your freedom.