Within ten minutes, police sirens blared from the street below[cite: 1]. Three armed police officers stepped out of the private elevator directly into the penthouse foyer[cite: 1].
Officer Miller: Mr. Brandon? We received a priority call regarding an attempted poisoning and corporate fraud[cite: 1].
Brandon: Thank you for arriving so quickly, Officer[cite: 1]. The suspects are right here[cite: 1].
Brandon pointed toward Vanessa and Carter, who were both restrained by private security[cite: 1].
Officer Miller: What evidence do we have on site[cite: 1]?
Brandon: We have the chemical testing strip showing arsenic in my wine, the vial of powder found in her purse, and eyewitness testimony from my guests and my daughter[cite: 1].
Vanessa: Officer, please[cite: 1]! I was forced into this[cite: 1]! He threatened my life[cite: 1]!
Officer Miller: Ma'am, you have the right to remain silent[cite: 1]. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law[cite: 1].
Officer Miller pulled Vanessa to her feet, snapping metal handcuffs tightly around her wrists[cite: 1]. The second officer handcuffed Carter, pulling him toward the elevator[cite: 1].
Carter: You'll never get your money back from the Bahamas, Brandon[cite: 1]! It's already gone[cite: 1]!
Brandon: My financial forensic team will have those accounts frozen by midnight, Carter[cite: 1]. You're going to prison empty-handed[cite: 1].
Vanessa: Brandon, please look at me[cite: 1]! I love you[cite: 1]! Don't do this to me[cite: 1]!
Brandon turned his back on her, holding Lily close to his shoulder while adjusting her beige dress[cite: 1].
Brandon: Take them away[cite: 1].
The officers pushed Vanessa and Carter into the elevator cab[cite: 1]. The metal doors slid shut with a heavy click, ending the nightmare that had nearly cost Brandon his life[cite: 1].
Guest Arthur: Brandon, mate, I don't know what to say[cite: 1]. If it wasn't for your little girl... you wouldn't be standing here right now[cite: 1].
Brandon: I know, Arthur[cite: 1]. She saved my life[cite: 1].
The remaining guests gathered around, offering soft words of support and apologies for the terrifying scene[cite: 1]. Brandon raised his hand, bowing politely to his colleagues[cite: 1].
Brandon: Thank you all for your support tonight, but I must ask you all to head home[cite: 1]. I need to take care of my daughter[cite: 1].
Guest Arthur: Of course, Brandon[cite: 1]. Take all the time you need[cite: 1]. We'll handle the press and corporate announcements tomorrow[cite: 1].
One by one, the wealthy guests made their way toward the elevator, leaving the grand dining hall quiet once again[cite: 1].