Two detectives arrived at the hospital within the hour to take official statements. Victoria sat in the corner of the waiting room, maintaining her fake sorrowful expression for anyone who walked past. She believed she was safe because there were no witnesses on the second floor when she pushed Clowe. She had carefully checked the hallway beforehand and knew the main living room cameras were turned off for wedding privacy. But she had completely forgotten about the modern technology installed inside the grand home just weeks before.
Detective Vance: Mrs. Victoria, we need to clarify a few details.
Victoria: Of course, Detective. I want to help in any way I can.
Detective Vance: You stated Clowe tripped on the hem of her gold dress?
Victoria: Yes, she was wearing high heels and moving much too fast.
Detective Vance: And you were standing at the top of the stairs?
Victoria: I reached for her hand, but alas, I was too far away.
Mark walked into the room carrying a small black laptop computer, accompanied by the estate's head security technician. The technician set the laptop down on the glass coffee table in the center of the room. Victoria stared at the screen, her heart dropping into her stomach as a video file opened up. Her hands began to shake inside her expensive leather gloves. She had forgotten that Mark had installed a smart motion-sensor doorbell camera on the upstairs hallway door to keep track of wedding deliveries.
Mark: Show the detective the footage from ten-fifteen this morning.
Victoria: Mark, what is the meaning of this foolishness?
Mark: Shut your mouth, Mom. Just watch the screen.
The video clip played in crystal-clear High Definition. It showed Clowe standing near the dark wood railing, holding her legal papers calmly. Then it showed Victoria shoving both hands viciously into Clowe's chest, throwing her weight forward with clear intent to cause harm. The camera captured the exact moment Clowe lost her balance and fell backward, as well as Victoria's instant smile of satisfaction before she covered her mouth to fake horror. The room went deathly silent as the audio track picked up the sharp, sickening slide and thud of the fall.
Detective Vance: That is very clear video evidence, ma'am.
Victoria: That video is altered! It was an accident, I swear!
Detective Vance: Please stand up and place your hands behind your back.
Victoria: Mark! Tell them to stop! You are my son!
Mark: You are not my mother anymore. You are a criminal.
The police officer grabbed Victoria's wrists, snapping metal handcuffs tightly around her wrists. Victoria screamed and protested as she was led down the sterile hospital hallway in full view of doctors, nurses, and patients. Her high-society reputation was destroyed in a single moment. Mark watched her get shoved into the back of a police cruiser before turning around to walk back into Clowe's room, where his true family was waiting for him.