The distant sound of red and blue police lights began to flash through the high stained-glass windows of the mansion entry.
Victoria ran to the nearest window, looking down at the long private driveway in sheer horror.
Victoria: "No... no, no, no! You called the cops?!"
Arthur: "I called federal investigators three days ago when the lab results confirmed arsenic in my tea."
Victoria: "Arsenic?! I never used arsenic! It was just a mild sedative!"
Arthur: "Thank you for the full confession on tape, Victoria."
Victoria bit her lip hard, realizing she had just blurted out the ultimate admission of guilt.
Victoria: "You tricked me again! You made me say it!"
Arthur: "You said it because your greed overwhelmed your logic. It always has."
The heavy front doors opened, and three uniformed police officers walked into the grand hallway.
Officer Miller: "Arthur Vance? We received the file from your legal team."
Arthur: "Officer Miller. The suspect is standing right there in the gold dress."
Victoria: "Officer, listen to me! This man is insane! He fake-simulated a spinal paralysis for months!"
Officer Miller: "Ma'am, holding a fake injury is not a crime. Attempted poisoning and grand estate fraud are."
Victoria: "He recorded me without my permission! That's illegal!"
Officer Miller: "In a home security system case involving physical harm, the audio is fully admissible. Hands behind your back, please."
Another officer stepped forward, pulling a pair of heavy steel handcuffs from his tactical belt.
Victoria: "Don't touch me! Do you know how much this dress costs?! My father is a corporate judge!"
Officer Miller: "Your father already called the district attorney, ma'am. He said he won't be posting your bail."
Victoria froze as the sharp metallic click of the handcuffs echoed through the wide marble space.
Victoria: "My father abandoned me?!"
Arthur: "Your father is an honorable man who respects the law. He was disgusted when I showed him the evidence."
Victoria: "Arthur! Please! Don't let them take me to a jail cell! Look at me!"
Arthur: "I am looking at you, Victoria. And for the first time, I see you clearly."
Elena stood quietly by Arthur's side as the officers began leading the weeping blonde woman toward the door.
Victoria: "You will rot alone in this huge empty mansion, Arthur! Nobody loves you!"
Arthur: "I would rather be alone in a house of truth than live another day in a palace of lies."
Elena: "Have a nice life in prison, Victoria."
Victoria screamed in anger as the officers escorted her out into the bright afternoon sun.
The heavy oak doors slammed shut behind them, leaving a peaceful silence in the hallway.
Arthur breathed a deep, long sigh of relief, expanding his lungs for what felt like the first time in years.
Arthur: "It's finally over."
Elena: "Are you okay, Mr. Vance? Standing for so long after months in that chair?"
Arthur: "My legs are strong, Elena. It was my heart that was tired. But now, it feels lighter than ever."