Three days later, the bright morning sun continued to illuminate the luxury hospital suite[cite: 1].
Clara sat propped up against several white pillows, her legs bound in heavy white casts that extended from her ankles to her mid-thighs.
Arthur sat on a chair right beside her bed, holding her small hand gently in his, his beard trimmed and his eyes full of tenderness[cite: 1].
Clara: Arthur... what did the doctors say about the nerve damage?
Arthur: They said it's going to be a long road, sweetheart. Months of physical therapy. But the surgeon assured me that you will walk again.
Clara: I was so scared in that garden house, Arthur... When she stood there and told those men to hurt me... I thought I was never going to see you again.
Arthur: I know, baby. I know. But she will never touch you again. She is locked in a federal holding facility in downtown Dallas.
Clara: Did the board accept the audit documents?
Arthur: They voted unanimously to remove Evelyn from Vance Holdings. I am officially the chief executive officer now.
Clara: You did that... for us?
Arthur: I did it for you, Clara. I used the company assets to establish a medical trust fund that will cover all your rehabilitation costs and help other victims of domestic violence[cite: 1].
There was a gentle knock on the door, and Detective Miller stepped inside carrying a manila folder.
Detective Miller: Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Vance. How are you feeling today, Clara?
Clara: A little better today, Detective. Thank you.
Detective Miller: I came to give you an update on the criminal case. The two men Evelyn hired were apprehended at the Mexican border late last night.
Arthur: Did they confess?
Detective Miller: Full signed confessions. They admitted that Evelyn paid them fifty thousand dollars in cash to carry out the attack.
Clara: Fifty thousand dollars... to ruin my life?
Detective Miller: The district attorney is charging her with attempted murder and felony assault. Because of the clear video evidence and the hired help's testimony, she is facing up to thirty years in prison without the possibility of parole.
Arthur: Make sure the court knows we will not accept any plea bargains.
Detective Miller: Understood, Mr. Vance. Justice will be served.