The heavy front doors burst open as four armed police officers hurried into the high-ceiling foyer. Their boots clicked loudly against the polished floor while the lead officer took in the entire scene with a sharp, scanning gaze. He noticed the blood running down Maya's face, the trembling woman in the red dress, and the billionaire holding his brother against the wall.
Police Officer: Nobody move! Keep your hands where we can see them!
Carter: Officer, I am Carter Vance. I am the owner of this property. I need these two arrested immediately.
Police Officer: On what grounds, sir?
Carter: Attempted murder by poisoning, conspiracy, and felony assault on my staff member.
Victoria: Officer, he’s lying! This waitress attacked me first! She stole my diamond necklace!
Maya: Check the video feed saved on Mr. Vance's smart watch, officer. It shows the full chemical preparation and the assault in the prep kitchen.
The lead officer stepped toward Carter and looked down at the playing watch file. He nodded slowly to his partner, gesturing toward Victoria and Julian with a firm look on his face. Two officers immediately moved forward, pulling pair of steel handcuffs from their belts.
Julian: Get your hands off me! Do you know who I am? My lawyer will have your badge by morning!
Police Officer: Save it for the judge, sir. You have the right to remain silent.
Victoria: Carter, please! Tell them to stop! You can't let them take me to jail in front of everyone!
Carter: You brought this on yourself, Victoria. Take them out of my house.
The guards helped the officers escort the yelling pair through the front exit while the guests stood frozen in complete silence. The heavy metallic clicks of the handcuffs echoed through the room before the grand doors finally swung shut behind them.
Carter: Someone fetch a first aid kit from the master bath immediately.
Maya: I'm fine, Mr. Vance. It's just a small scratch.
Carter: You took a heavy blow to protect a man you didn't even know. A scratch is the very least of my concerns right now.
Carter took a clean white linen napkin from a nearby serving tray and carefully handed it to Maya. She took it gently, pressing the soft cloth against her bleeding forehead while the room slowly settled down.
Carter: I owe you my life. And I promise you, justice is only the beginning of how I'm going to make this right.