The double glass doors of the hotel pushed open, and the cold night air rushed into the warm lobby. Flashing red and blue lights illuminated the street outside, reflecting off the glass facade of the building. Four police cruisers and an ambulance were parked along the curb.
A swarm of news reporters and press photographers had already gathered outside, tipped off by guests who had posted videos on social media from inside the room.
Reporter A: Mrs. Sterling! Is it true you attempted to murder your stepdaughter tonight?
Reporter B: Victoria! What happened on the second-floor balcony?
Camera flashes exploded in Victoria’s face as Officer Vance led her down the stone steps. She pulled her handcuffed wrists up to try and cover her face, but the photographers caught every angle of her ruined, tear-stained face.
Victoria: Get those cameras out of my face! Get them away from me!
Officer Vance: Watch your head, ma'am.
The officer pushed her head down and forced her into the back seat of the lead police cruiser. The heavy metal door slammed shut, cutting off her hysterical screaming.
Down in the lobby, two paramedics walked over to me with a stretcher, but I raised my hand gently to stop them.
Paramedic: Miss Sterling, we need to check your spine after a drop like that.
Clara: I'm fine, really. Lucas caught me before I hit the ground. My shoulder is just a little sore.
Lucas: Let them check you over anyway, Clara. For my peace of mind.
Clara: Okay, fine. But only for five minutes. We have a company to reclaim.
Board Member Miller walked up to us, his expression full of remorse and respect as he extended his hand to Lucas and then to me.
Board Member Miller: Clara, on behalf of the entire board of directors, I want to deeply apologize. We were blind. We allowed Victoria to push you out because we thought she was carrying out your father’s wishes.
Clara: She was a master manipulator, Miller. I don't blame the board. But starting tomorrow, things are going to change.
Board Member Miller: The board will convene an emergency meeting at nine in the morning. We will formally restore your voting control and reinstate Lucas as head of corporate security.
Lucas: I'll be there at eight to clear out Victoria’s loyalists from the building management team.
Clara: Thank you, Miller. My father trusted you for twenty years. I'm glad you're standing with me now.
Board Member Miller: Your father would be immensely proud of you, Clara. You showed incredible bravery tonight.
I looked over at Lucas, who was smiling softly at me despite the red scratch on his arm from when he had slid across the floor to catch me.
Clara: I couldn't have done it without Lucas. If he hadn't reacted in that split second...
Lucas: I promised your dad I would always keep you safe, Clara. I wasn't going to let that woman hurt you ever again.
Clara: You saved my life tonight, Lucas. Literally.
Lucas: Just doing my job. Now let the paramedics look at your arm so we can get out of here.