Arthur: What audit files, Clara? What is he trying to hide from me?
Clara: For the last three months, Julian has been transferring money from the company's trust fund into a private bank account in Nevada.
Julian: She's making up lies to save herself! She has no proof!
Clara: I have every single transaction receipt, Julian. I printed the ledger statements from the server this morning and locked them in the main office safe.
Victoria: Julian... is this true?! Did you steal from your own uncle's trust fund?!
Julian: Shut up, Victoria! Don't listen to her!
Arthur: Clara has worked as my personal administrative assistant for five years, Julian. She has never lied to me once. You, on the other hand, have been trying to take over this company since your father passed away.
Julian: I am a Vance! I built this corporate brand! She is just a low-level worker who sits at a desk!
Arthur: She is a worker who treats people with respect. You are a coward who hits children when you get caught stealing.
Arthur turned to the security guards standing near the entrance, his voice firm and cold.
Arthur: Escort my nephew out of this building immediately. Call the police and inform them that we are filing charges for felony embezzlement and child abuse.
Julian: Uncle Arthur, please! You can't do this to me! I am your family!
Arthur: You ceased being my family the moment you laid your hand on that innocent child.
The two guards stepped forward, grabbing Julian by his arms and hauling him up off the marble floor. Julian thrashed and screamed as they dragged him past the shocked guests toward the glass exit doors.
Julian: Clara! You will pay for this! I'll make sure you never work in this city again!
Clara: You won't be making any calls from a jail cell, Julian.
Victoria stood frozen in the middle of the hall, her face flushed with embarrassment as guests whispered and stared at her. She snatched her diamond ring off the table, turned on her heels, and hurried out the side doors without saying another word.
Arthur knelt down on the marble floor next to little Lily, pulling a clean white handkerchief from his suit pocket and gently wiping a stray tear from her cheek.
Arthur: Are you alright, little one?
Lily: My cheek hurts a little bit... but my mommy kicked him real hard.
Arthur let out a soft laugh, looking up at Clara with deep respect in his eyes.
Arthur: Yes, she certainly did. Your mommy is a very brave woman, Lily.
Clara: I'm sorry for causing a scene at your gala, Mr. Vance. I know how important this event was for the board.
Arthur: You don't ever apologize for protecting your daughter, Clara. In fact, I need to apologize to you for letting my nephew treat you this way for so long.
Clara: I just wanted to do my job and keep Lily safe.
Arthur: And you did both brilliantly. Come with me to my private office. We have important business to discuss regarding the future of this company.