Julian stepped protectively in front of his mother, offering his warm hand to help her stand up from the slippery wooden floor. Clara took her son's hand with ease, standing up straight and brushing the water off her wet apron with remarkable dignity. She looked down at Victoria, who was now trembling on the floor, weeping real tears of sheer panic and embarrassment. The two junior kitchen staff members stood near the doorway, watching the entire scene unfold with wide eyes. Victoria wanted the ground to open up and swallow her whole as she realized how completely she had ruined her own future in a matter of minutes.
Julian: Get up off the floor, Victoria. You are leaving this house today, and the wedding is officially canceled.
Victoria: Julian, please! I didn't know! I swear I didn't know she was your mother! I was just stressed about the wedding setup!
Clara: Stressed? That gives you the right to treat another human being like garbage on the floor?
Victoria: Please, Mrs. Miller! Forgive me! I love your son! We can put this behind us, I promise!
Clara: You do not love my son, Victoria. You love his last name, his mansion, and the trust fund that comes with it.
Julian reached down and pulled the diamond engagement ring off Victoria's finger before she could even process what was happening. He slipped the ring into his pocket and signaled to the two private security guards standing near the front gates through his earpiece. Within seconds, two tall men in dark uniforms entered the grand hallway, stepping up to stand on either side of Victoria as she sat sobbing on the wet floor. Her arrogance had evaporated completely, replaced by the pathetic sight of someone who had gambled her entire future away for a moment of bitter pride.
Julian: Escort Miss Vance off the property immediately. She is never permitted to set foot on Miller land again.
Victoria: Julian, don't do this! We have a prenup agreement! We can work this out through our lawyers!
Julian: My divorce lawyer and estate attorneys will handle everything. You will receive nothing from this family, not a single penny.
The security guards helped Victoria to her feet, holding her firmly by the arms as they led her toward the front entrance. Her high heels squelched in the pool of water as she was marched down the driveway in her ruined, soaked red dress. Passing cars slowed down as the drivers stared at the crying woman being escorted out of the gates of the famous Miller estate. The news of the canceled high-society wedding spread through the city's elite circles within hours, destroying Victoria's social standing permanently. No wealthy family or corporate firm would ever associate with a woman whose cruelty had been so thoroughly exposed.