The double doors of the study opened, and two tall police officers stepped inside, accompanied by Officer Martinez, a veteran detective. Officer Martinez looked at the tablet screen sitting on the desk, then looked at Victoria standing near the wall in her metallic gold dress.
Officer Martinez: Victoria Vance?
Victoria: Officer! Thank goodness you're here! My son has been brainwashed by a domestic worker! They are holding me against my will!
Officer Martinez: Ma'am, we've already received the emergency dispatch report along with the preliminary video footage uploaded by Mr. Vance's legal team.
Victoria: That video is edited! It doesn't show the full context!
Officer Martinez: Ma'am, the video clearly shows you holding a pair of heavy tailor scissors over a kneeling pregnant woman and physically inflicting a wound[cite: 1, 1]. That constitutes aggravated domestic assault.
Victoria: It was a household discipline matter!
Officer Martinez: You don't have the legal right to discipline anyone with a deadly weapon, ma'am. Please turn around and place your hands behind your back.
Victoria: Don't you dare touch me! Do you know who my lawyer is?!
The second officer stepped forward, grabbing Victoria's wrists firmly and pulling them behind her wrap dress. The cold metallic click of handcuffs sounded loudly through the quiet room.
Victoria: Ouch! You're hurting my wrists! Julian! Tell him to stop! Tell him to take these off me!
Julian stood motionless, his arms crossed over his chest as he watched his mother being led toward the door.
Julian: You brought this on yourself, Victoria.
Victoria: You will regret this, Julian! I'll contest your father's will! I'll take every cent you have!
Sarah: Good luck with that, Victoria. The conviction for domestic violence automatically voids your spousal inheritance rights under state law.
Victoria let out a loud, hysterical shriek as the officers escorted her out of the study and through the grand foyer. The mansion staff—maids, cooks, and gardeners who had suffered under Victoria's cruel management for years—stood along the hallway, watching in silent satisfaction as she was led out the front doors toward the waiting police cruiser.
Julian walked slowly up the stairs to the master bedroom. Elena was sitting up on the bed, holding a glass of warm water. When she saw Julian walk through the door, her eyes filled with gentle concern.
Elena: Is it over, Julian?
Julian: She's gone, sweetheart. The police just took her away. She's never coming back here again.
Elena let out a long, shaky breath, setting her glass down on the nightstand. Julian sat beside her, pulling her close into his arms and resting his hand over her pregnant belly.
Julian: I promise you, from this day forward, no one will ever make you feel small again. You are my wife, and this is your home.
Elena: Thank you, Julian... for believing me. For protecting our baby.
Julian: I will protect you for the rest of my life, Elena. Always.