Victoria pulled a clean white handkerchief from her tuxedo pocket and handed it to a young maid who had been watching from the hallway archway.
Victoria: Sarah, please get a broom and clean this up properly before someone cuts themselves. You don't need to use your hands.
Sarah: Yes, CEO Sterling. Thank you, ma'am.
Victoria: And starting tomorrow, Sarah, your salary is doubled. You are the new head of estate hospitality.
The young maid's eyes filled with tears of joy as she bowed her head respectfully.
Sarah: Thank you, ma'am! Thank you so much!
The heavy oak front doors of the grand hall swung open. Two uniformed police officers stepped into the room, accompanied by the chief of estate security.
Security Chief: CEO Sterling, you called for an escort?
Victoria: Yes, Captain. Miss Vance here committed physical assault on my person and damaged estate property.
Tiffany: Assault?! I just gave you a light slap!
Police Officer: Ma'am, we have the whole incident recorded on the hall's high-definition security cameras. Slapping someone on private property is felony assault.
Tiffany: No! Don't touch me! Do you know who my father is?!
Police Officer: Your father just called the precinct, ma'am. He said he isn't posting your bail.
Tiffany gasped as the officer pulled her hands behind her back, clicking cold steel handcuffs around her wrists. The red burgundy gown crumpled around her legs as she was forced to her feet.
Tiffany: Father disowned me?!
Police Officer: He saw the livestream video from the gala, ma'am. He's trying to save his own company's stock right now.
The officers turned Tiffany around, escorting her down the long marble corridor toward the grand entrance doors. Outside, a heavy rainstorm had begun, flashing lighting across the driveway.
Tiffany thrashed against the officer's grip, her mascara running down her cheeks as she was pushed out into the pouring rain toward the waiting squad car.
Tiffany: Victoria! Please! Forgive me! Don't let them take me!
The heavy glass doors slammed shut, cutting off her hysterical screaming once and for all.
Inside the warm, brightly lit hall, Victoria turned to face the remaining guests. She raised her glass of sparkling water, her face calm and composed as ever.
Victoria: Ladies and gentlemen, I apologize for the interruption. The catering team has prepared dinner in the East Dining Room. Please, enjoy the evening.
The guests broke into loud applause, nodding in deep respect to the true matriarch of Sterling Enterprises.
Victoria slowly slipped her white leather glove back over her hand, covering the massive pink diamond ring. She adjusted the flag patch on her black tuxedo jacket, stepped past her weeping half-brother, and walked into the dining room to reclaim her empire.