David dropped to his knees on the hard stone, his expensive suit pants soaking in the spilled wine on the floor as he reached out with trembling, gentle hands.
I was weeping hysterically, clutching my stomach with both hands as a sharp pain twisted through my lower abdomen.
Cora: David... the baby... it hurts so bad...
David: Shh, don't move, Cora. I'm right here. I've got you.
Cora: She kicked my legs, David... she pushed me down when you turned your back...
David: I know, sweetie. I know. You're safe now.
He pulled my shaking body into a tight, protective embrace, resting his chin against my damp hair while his arms locked around my waist.
David: No one will ever hurt you again. I swear it.
Chloe dragged herself out of the blue pool water, dripping wet, her maroon dress ruined, her hair plastered to her face as her father, Marcus, ran down the patio steps.
Marcus: David Sterling! Have you lost your mind?! You just assaulted my daughter in front of two hundred guests!
David: Get your daughter off my property before I have estate security put her in handcuffs, Marcus!
Chloe: Dad! He slapped me! And his fake wife tried to push me into the pool!
Marcus: I am calling the city prosecutor right now! You are going to pay for this, Sterling!
David: Call whoever you want, Marcus. But first, take a look at the security monitor behind you.
David reached into his suit jacket, pulling out his private security tablet and tapping the screen twice.
The large digital screen mounted above the foyer fireplace flickered to life, showing the high-definition footage from the white dome security camera mounted on the cream ceiling.
The entire crowd went dead silent as the video played in crystal-clear color.
On the screen, Chloe could be seen walking fast behind me, deliberately sticking her foot out to trip me, then grabbing my arm and yanking me down onto the marble floor before stomping on my dress.
Marcus: What... what is that?
David: That is your daughter committing felony assault on a pregnant woman, Marcus.
Chloe: No! That video is edited! That's an AI fake!
David: The dome camera feeds directly to the state police server, Chloe. It can't be edited.
Chloe's face drained of all color as the high-society guests began whispering in utter disgust, stepping away from her and her father near the pool deck.