Richard turned around completely, crossing the remaining distance between them with terrifying speed and lethal grace. Before Victoria could even blink or raise her handcuffed wrists in defense, his open palm struck across her face in pure, unadulterated fury. Sharp slap SFX echoed like a crack of thunder through the soaring mansion atrium, accompanied instantly by a dramatic orchestral hit that punctuated the climax. Victoria stumbled sideways under the violent impact, her expensive gold evening dress rustling harshly against the marble floor as she caught her balance against a white column. A bright red handprint bloomed instantly across her pale cheek, shattering her arrogant composure and replacing it with genuine, whimpering fear.
Victoria: You... you actually struck me! I am a Vance by marriage! You'll pay for this assault!
Richard: That slap was for every tear my child shed while you sat there drinking wine like a soulless demon.
Officer One: Step back, Mr. Vance. Let us handle the suspect and transport her to the precinct booking facility.
Richard: Take her out of my sight right now. If she breathes another word in my direction, I won't be responsible for my actions.
Clara: Come here, baby. Let's get you upstairs out of these wet clothes and into a warm blanket.
Victoria was forcefully escorted toward the grand entrance doors by the two police officers, her glittery gold gown dragging through the spilled puddle of tank water. She cast one last venomous, hateful glare back toward the foyer, but Richard refused to dignify her with a single parting glance. The heavy mahogany doors swung shut behind the departing cruiser, sealing out the toxic remnants of a corrupted marriage and a fraudulent corporate dynasty. Clara cradled the recovering infant securely against her chest, walking slowly up the sweeping curved staircase toward the safety of the master nursery. Richard stood alone in the center of the devastated foyer, watching the sunlight glint off the shattered acrylic shards scattered across the marble floor.
Richard: Clara, wait up for me. Let me help you with the baby.
Clara: We're going to be just fine, Richard. The nightmare is finally over.
Richard: I promise you, our lives start fresh today. Nothing like this will ever touch our family again.
Clara: I know it won't, because we're going to rebuild everything on honesty and real love from now on.