The front double doors of the Sterling mansion burst open with a heavy thud. Heavy footsteps echoed down the grand hallway as three uniformed police officers marched into the dining room, led by a stern-looking female sergeant.
Sergeant Davis: Police! Nobody move! Hands where we can see them!
Mark: Officers, wait! This is a private family matter! There has been a huge misunderstanding!
Sergeant Davis: Are you Mark Sterling?
Mark: Yes, but let me explain! My fiancée and I were just having an argument—
Sergeant Davis: We watched the video feed, sir. You dumped hot ceramic dish contents onto this woman and grabbed her arm forcibly. Step away from her right now!
Officer Martinez stepped forward, pulling a pair of heavy steel handcuffs from his utility belt.
Mark: You can't arrest me in my own house! My father is Arthur Sterling! He owns Sterling Real Estate!
Arthur: Mark, keep your mouth shut! Don't make this any worse!
Eleanor: Officer, please! My son is a respected businessman! He just lost his temper for a second!
Sergeant Davis: Ma'am, losing your temper and pouring scalding food on someone while physically restraining them is called felony assault. Turn around, Mr. Sterling.
Officer Martinez grabbed Mark's arm, twisting it behind his back and snapping the steel handcuffs tightly over his wrists.
Mark: Ouch! That hurts! Clara, tell them to stop! Tell them you don't want to press charges!
Clara: I am pressing every single charge available under the law, Mark. Domestic battery, assault with a dangerous weapon, and unlawful restraint.
Mark: A dangerous weapon?! It was a roast beef platter!
Sergeant Davis: Heavy ceramic filled with scalding liquid can cause severe burns and trauma, sir. You're coming with us.
Eleanor: Clara, you monster! You're ruining my son's life over a ruined sweater!
Clara turned slowly toward Eleanor, wiping a remaining streak of gravy from her cheek. Her eyes were sharp, filled with absolute disdain for the wealthy woman standing before her.
Clara: You spent years teaching your son that money gives him the right to crush people, Mrs. Sterling. Today, he learned that actions have consequences.
Eleanor: I will sue you! I will hire the best lawyers in the country and ruin you!
Clara: My father is already preparing a civil lawsuit for emotional distress, medical bills, and battery. Good luck finding a law firm willing to go up against Miller & Vance after this video goes viral.
Arthur: Viral...? What do you mean viral?!
Clara: Check the local news feeds, Mr. Sterling. The livestream was public.
Arthur pulled out his tablet with shaking fingers. His face went completely gray as he saw the video clip already racking up hundreds of thousands of views online, tagged with the Sterling Real Estate corporate logo.
Arthur: Oh, dear God... our stock price... it's plummeting!
Mark: Dad! Do something! Don't let them take me to jail!
Sergeant Davis: Walk, Mr. Sterling. You can talk to your bail bondsman from the station.
The officers dragged a kicking and screaming Mark out of the grand dining room, his expensive leather shoes sliding messily through the gravy on the floor. His hysterical shouts faded down the hallway as the front doors slammed shut.