Arthur stopped in his tracks, his leather briefcase slipping slightly from his sweaty fingers.
Arthur: Julian, please understand, I was only acting under heavy pressure from your stepmother.
Julian: You are an officer of the court who helped isolate my wife for financial gain.
Julian pointed his finger directly at the lawyer and then toward the broad security guards.
Julian: Both of you guards will hold Arthur and Vivian in this foyer until law enforcement arrives.
Guard: Sir, she paid us cash bonuses to keep quiet about the lady being downstairs.
Julian: If you want to avoid maximum prison time, you will obey my orders right now!
The two large guards immediately stepped forward and positioned themselves on either side of Vivian.
The older woman gasped in shock as her own paid staff turned against her in an instant.
Vivian: Unhand me this instant, you simple fools, I am the mistress of this estate!
Guard: Not anymore, ma'am, Mr. Julian holds the master keys and the corporate budget now.
Julian wrapped his arm gently around Elena's thin waist and lifted her off her feet with care.
He carried her past the mess of shattered glass and wet soap toward the large front steps.
Elena: Where are we going, Julian?
Julian: We are leaving this terrible house forever, my love, and starting a brand new life.
He took her to his private car parked in the bright sunlight outside the massive front entrance.
He opened the soft passenger door and helped her sit down comfortably inside the quiet vehicle.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a soft silk handkerchief to wipe the dust from her face.
Julian: I am so sorry I was not here to protect you when you needed me most.
Elena: You came back for me, Julian, and that is all that truly matters to my heart.