Three hours later, the morning sun began to rise over the city skyline, casting long shadows across the marble lobby of the precinct. Julian sat on a wooden bench, holding a cup of lukewarm black coffee. His grey suit was wrinkled, but his eyes were sharp and focused. The doors opened, and Dr. Vance walked into the waiting area wearing green surgical scrubs.
Julian: Doctor! How are they?! Please tell me!
Dr. Vance: Mr. Sterling... it was a very close call. Your wife suffered two fractured ribs and significant internal bleeding.
Julian: And the baby? Is my baby okay?
Dr. Vance: We delivered a healthy four-pound baby boy via emergency surgery. He is currently in the neonatal intensive care unit, but his lungs are strong and he is breathing on his own.
Julian let out a long, shuddering breath, a tear of pure relief running down his cheek as he grabbed Dr. Vance's hand.
Julian: Thank you, Doctor. Thank you so much. Can I see my wife?
Dr. Vance: She is awake in Recovery Room Three. She is asking for you, sir.
Julian walked quickly down the hall, pushing open the door to Room Three. Cora lay in the hospital bed, an IV line attached to her arm and a soft bandage wrapped around her forehead. Her face was pale, but when she saw Julian, a faint smile appeared on her lips.
Cora: Julian... our little boy is alive...
Julian: He's beautiful, sweetheart. He has your eyes and your strength.
Cora: What about Victoria? Is she going to get away with this?
Julian: She is never touching our family again, Cora. Marcus is securing the video feed right now.
Right on cue, Marcus Vance walked into the hospital room carrying a dark leather briefcase and a high-definition tablet computer. His face was grim, but his eyes held a cold sense of triumph.
Marcus: Julian, I retrieved the raw video file from the chandelier vault server. It was recorded in four-K high definition with full audio capture.
Julian: Play it, Marcus.
Marcus set the tablet on the bedside table and tapped the play button. The screen flickered to life, displaying a crystal-clear overhead view of the grand staircase during the gala. The video clearly showed Victoria approaching Cora, stepping into her personal space, and screaming at her about the trust fund shares.
Victoria on Video: That child in your stomach is taking away my sixty percent share of the Sterling trust fund. I won't allow it!
Then, the video showed Victoria extending both hands and violently shoving Cora backward off the stone landing. The camera captured Cora tumbling down the steps, as well as Victoria's sinister smile as she watched from the top.
Cora: Oh my God... it's all right there...
Marcus: Not only did she push you, Cora, but the audio captured her explicit motive to eliminate the primary heir to the estate.
Julian: Is Detective Miller outside, Marcus?
Marcus: He's waiting in the lobby with four uniformed officers and an arrest warrant signed by the district judge.
Julian: Let me deliver the warrant to Victoria personally.