The heavy tires of two black security SUVs crunched across the gravel driveway outside as the legal team and private security arrived at the front entrance.
Downstairs, the front doors opened, and two uniformed New York state troopers stepped into the bright, high-key hallway alongside Attorney Thomas.
Attorney Thomas: David! Are you alright up there?
David: We're coming down now, Thomas.
David walked down the marble staircase, carrying the small velvet box tightly in his hand, while Vanessa trailed behind him with her head down, trying to cover her face.
Trooper Jackson: Miss Vanessa Vance?
Vanessa: Do you know who my father is, officer? This is a civil dispute between former fiances!
Attorney Thomas: It's not a civil dispute, Vanessa. The district attorney's office just received the digital trail showing you listed a stolen heirloom on a fraud-risk insurance ledger.
Trooper Jackson: We also have a recorded emergency call regarding an unsupervised minor locked outside on private property during freezing conditions.
Vanessa: It was fifty degrees! It was not freezing! She was completely safe!
Trooper Jackson: Ma'am, you locked a six-year-old child outside without proper winter clothing while you were the sole adult supervisor on the property. That constitutes child endangerment under state law.
Vanessa: This is absurd! David, tell them to stop this right now!
David walked past her without giving her a single glance, heading straight toward his office door where Lily was peeking out nervously.
David: Come here, sweetie. Look what Daddy found.
Lily stepped into the bright hallway, her big blue eyes widening as David opened the velvet box in front of her.
Lily: Mommy's necklace! The shiny star!
David: That's right, baby. It was here the whole time. It belongs to you now, just like Mommy wanted.
Lily wrapped her small arms around David's neck, giving him the biggest, warmest hug she had given him in months.
Lily: Thank you, Daddy. I love you so much.
David: I love you more than anything in this entire world, Lily. You are my whole life.
Across the hallway, Trooper Jackson clicked a pair of steel handcuffs around Vanessa's wrists, leading her toward the large glass front doors.
Vanessa: David! You can't let them take me! Think of our social standing! Think of the press!
David: The press is going to have a field day tomorrow, Vanessa. Make sure you look nice for your mugshot.
Vanessa: YOU'LL REGRET THIS, DAVID! MY FATHER WILL DESTROY YOU!
The heavy glass doors slid shut behind her, cutting off her hysterical screaming as the police car pulled away down the long driveway.