The large ballroom grew completely silent as Arthur took a slow step forward.
He glanced at the glowing silver bracelet resting inside Julian's open hand.
Then he looked at Victoria's shiny gold dress and her perfect heavy makeup.
Arthur: Elena, look at me and answer my question very clearly.
Elena: Yes, Mr. Sterling, I am telling you the complete truth.
Arthur: Did you put your hands near Victoria's purse tonight?
Elena: No, sir, I only carried the tray of empty glasses.
Victoria rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest angrily.
Victoria: Why are you asking her questions like she is an equal?
Victoria: We found the missing jewelry directly inside her apron pocket!
Victoria: Call the local police department and have her locked up immediately!
Arthur raised his hand to stop his loud stepdaughter from speaking further.
He pointed toward the large television screen mounted high on the wall.
The screen usually displayed corporate presentations and family charity photos during events.
Arthur: Show me the footage immediately from the main security cameras.
Julian: Sir, is that really necessary when we have the actual bracelet?
Arthur: I own this estate, and I decide what is necessary here.
Arthur turned toward the head security officer standing near the wall controller.
The officer quickly pulled out a small black remote control from his belt.
Victoria's face suddenly lost all of its warm pink blush color.
She took a small step backward toward the thick red velvet curtains.
Victoria: Father, this is wasting all of our important guests' precious time.
Arthur: If she is guilty, the video camera will prove it clearly.
Arthur: If she is innocent, someone else will answer to me.
The large flat screen flashed black for a brief uncomfortable moment.
Then a clear black-and-white security video feed appeared on the display.
Elena wiped the warm tears from her face and looked up slowly.
The entire crowd shifted forward to watch the moving video image.