Clara pulled her torn gown out of Julian’s grip, stepping back with complete disdain. She turned to a young maid who had been watching nervously from the side hallway archway.
Clara: Sarah, please go upstairs to my private suite and bring me the silk blazer hanging in the wardrobe.
Sarah: Right away, CEO Sterling!
Clara: And starting tomorrow morning, 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 before hurrying up the grand staircase.
Sarah: Thank you, CEO Sterling! Thank you so much!
The heavy front double doors of the ballroom pushed open with a sharp clatter. Four uniformed police officers marched onto the marble floor, led by Chief Security Officer Vance.
Officer Vance: CEO Sterling, you called for an emergency police detail?
Clara: Yes, Officer. Miss Victoria Vance here committed physical assault and destruction of private property on my person inside my home.
Victoria: Assault?! I just gave her dress a light tug!
Officer Vance: Ma'am, we have high-definition camera footage from the ballroom ceiling cameras streaming directly to our precinct. Tearing someone's clothes off inside a private residence is felony assault.
Victoria: Don't touch me! Do you know who my father is?!
Officer Vance: Your father was arrested at his New York office forty minutes ago for corporate wire fraud, ma'am. He won't be posting your bail tonight.
Victoria let out a shrill, hysterical scream as the officers pulled her hands behind her burgundy gown, clicking cold steel handcuffs tightly around her wrists.
Victoria: Julian! Help me! Call our defense lawyers!
Julian: Shut your mouth, Victoria! You destroyed my entire life!
The officers turned Victoria around, escorting her down the long marble corridor toward the grand entrance doors. Outside, a heavy rainstorm had begun, lighting flashing across the driveway and reflecting off the squad car windows.
Victoria thrashed against the officer's grip, her mascara running down her cheeks as she was dragged out into the pouring rain toward the waiting police cruiser.
Victoria: Clara! Forgive me! I'll buy you a new dress! I'll buy you ten dresses!
The heavy glass front doors slammed shut with a sharp thud, cutting off her hysterical shouting once and for all.
Inside the warm, brightly lit ballroom, Clara turned to face the remaining guests. She raised her glass of sparkling water, her face calm, composed, and regal.
Clara: Ladies and gentlemen, I apologize for the brief disturbance. The catering team has prepared dinner in the East Dining Room. Please, enjoy the evening.
The entire crowd broke into loud, unanimous applause, nodding in deep respect to the true matriarch of the Sterling family.