Victoria backed away until her heels pressed against the base of the staircase.
Victoria: You are making a huge mistake over a simple misunderstanding!
Alexander: Look at her cheeks, Victoria!
Alexander: She has marks on her face!
Victoria: She fell down the steps earlier!
Lily: No I did not! She grabbed me!
Alexander reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out his smartphone instantly.
He tapped the screen to open the estate's security camera application.
Victoria's eyes widened in horror as she remembered the hidden foyer cameras.
She had forgotten that Alexander installed security feeds in every major room.
Alexander flipped through the recorded footage from the last three hours.
He saw Victoria yelling at Lily and forcing her onto the cold floor.
He saw her locking the kitchen doors and mocking the crying young girl.
Every beat of the video confirmed the terrible truth about his new wife.
Alexander: You monster.
Victoria: Alexander, put the phone away, we can work this out!
Alexander: There is nothing to work out between us.
Alexander tapped another button on his phone and put it to his ear.
Alexander: CALL 911 RIGHT NOW!
Victoria: No! Do not call the police!
Alexander: YOU WILL ROT IN PRISON FOR ABUSING MY CHILD!
Victoria dropped her crystal glass, sending it smashing across the marble tile.
The sharp sound of shattered glass filled the large high-ceiling foyer.
Victoria: You will ruin my reputation in this city!
Alexander: You ruined your own life the moment you touched my daughter!
Two security guards who worked the main gate rushed through the front doors.
They had seen the emergency alert trigger on their gatehouse monitor screens.
Alexander: GUARDS, ARREST HER!
Guard 1: Yes, Mr. Vance.
The guards stepped forward and held Victoria by her arms securely.
Victoria: Let go of me! Do you know who I am?!
Guard 2: Ma'am, stay still until the officers arrive.
Victoria struggled against their grip, her emerald gown twisting in their hands.
Her perfect hair fell loose, and her arrogant look dissolved into pure fear.