Within ten minutes, the sound of loud police sirens echoed outside the luxury venue. Three police cruisers pulled up right to the main entrance, their lights flashing red and blue through the large windows. Detective Miller, a stern man with grey hair and a sharp gaze, walked into the ballroom with two uniform officers right behind him. The guests made way for the officers as they marched directly toward the stage where Victoria was still restrained on the light marble floor.
Arthur stepped forward to meet Detective Miller. He pointed straight at his watch, then motioned toward Clara, who stood calmly nearby. Clara handed her smart watch to the officer, showing him the raw, unedited footage recorded on the cloud server. Detective Miller watched the clip three times, his brow furrowing as he saw Victoria drop the white tablet into the glass. He then walked over to the beverage table and spotted the small, unused paper wrapper Victoria had tried to hide under a cloth napkin.
Detective Miller: Ma'am, you have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you in court.
Victoria: Officer, please! It was a mistake! He treats me terribly! He controls all the money!
Detective Miller: Save it for your lawyer. You are under arrest for attempted first-degree murder.
Victoria: Arthur, tell them to stop! You can't let them take me away like a criminal!
Arthur: You made your choice when you put that poison in my glass. You are dead to me.
The officers pulled Victoria up from the floor, snapping heavy metal handcuffs around her wrists. She kicked her feet and screamed as they marched her past the crowd of wealthy donors, who recorded her shame on their phones. Her dream of taking over Arthur's estate, his mansion, and his massive bank accounts was completely ruined. As the heavy double doors closed behind the police, a heavy sense of relief washed over the ballroom.
Arthur walked over to Clara, looking closely at the red mark still visible on her fair cheek from Victoria's heavy blow. He felt a deep surge of respect and gratitude for the young woman who had put herself in physical danger just to save a stranger's life. Clara offered a small, tired smile, wiping a stray tear from her eye as the chaos finally began to settle down.
Arthur: Young lady, I owe you my life. You stood up when everyone else would have stayed quiet.
Clara: I just did what was right, sir. I saw her do it on the camera monitor and I couldn't let you drink it.
Arthur: You took a hit for me. Nobody has ever shown that kind of loyalty to me in my whole life.