The grand double doors of the dining hall were pushed open by two uniformed Dallas police officers. Their boots clicked sharply against the white floor as they took in the scene: broken crystal near the wall, a maid holding an ice pack, and a woman in an ivory gown lying on the floor.
Officer Ramirez: Dallas Police! We received an emergency call regarding an assault in progress.
Gabriel: Officers, thank you for arriving quickly. I am Gabriel Vance, the owner of this property.
Vanessa: Officer! Help me! This man just attacked me! He kicked me across the room! Look at my gown!
Officer Ramirez: Ma'am, remain where you are. Sir, what happened here?
Gabriel: My former fiancée, Vanessa Sterling, intentionally poured scalding hot tea onto my employee's arm, causing second-degree burns. When I broke off our engagement, she threw glassware and became hostile.
Officer Davis: Let me see your arm, miss.
Officer Davis stepped over to Ellen, gently inspecting the severe red blistering along her skin.
Officer Davis: Partner, this is a clear second-degree burn. We need EMS to check this out.
Gabriel: I already have my personal physician on his way, but an ambulance is fine too.
Vanessa: It was an accident! I slipped! The teapot was heavy!
Gabriel: Officer Ramirez, please view the security footage on my tablet right here. It captured the entire incident in high definition.
Gabriel unlocked his tablet and played the video. The officers watched in silence as the clip clearly showed Vanessa grabbing the teapot and intentionally pouring the boiling water straight onto Ellen's arm, followed by her shouting at the girl.
Officer Ramirez: That doesn't look like a slip to me, ma'am.
Vanessa: You can't use that! I didn't consent to being filmed!
Officer Ramirez: This is a private residence with posted security notices, ma'am. Stand up and put your hands behind your back.
Vanessa: WHAT?! You're arresting ME?! Do you know who my father is?! He's Richard Sterling!
Officer Ramirez: I don't care if your father is the mayor, ma'am. You are under arrest for felony assault causing bodily injury.
Officer Davis pulled Vanessa up from the floor, spinning her around and snapping metal handcuffs tightly over her wrists.
Vanessa: AHH! Get your hands off me! Gabriel! Stop them! Tell them it was a mistake!
Gabriel: The only mistake I made was putting a ring on your finger, Vanessa.
Vanessa: You'll pay for this! My family will destroy your firm! You'll be ruined in Dallas!
Gabriel: Take her away, Officer.
The officers led the screaming woman out of the dining room, her ivory gown dragging messily behind her as she was escorted to the police cruiser waiting outside.