Elena stepped back toward the safety of the hallway pillar, cradling the infant securely while watching the confrontation reach its boiling point.
Elena: Don't let her near the doors, Mr. Vance. She'll try to delete the server logs if she reaches the office!
Richard: The server files were backed up to my personal encrypted cloud the second the motion sensor tripped!
Clara: You planned this... you've been spying on me in my own home!
Richard: I was protecting my family from a monster wearing a designer dress!
Clara tried to turn on her heel to sprint back up toward the second-floor gallery, but her heels clicked frantically against the polished wood as hesitation slowed her down.
Clara: Let me pass, Richard! This marriage is over anyway, just let me walk out of here!
Richard: Not a chance in hell, Clara. You aren't going anywhere except into handcuffs!
With a sudden burst of adrenaline, Richard charged furiously past the base of the stairs, closing the distance between them with terrifying speed. Heavy running footsteps echoed off the marble walls, accompanied by his sharp, ragged breath as he cut off her escape route entirely.
Clara: Get away from me! Don't you touch me!
Richard: I wouldn't dirty my hands by striking trash like you, but I will make sure the law handles every single punishment!
Clara stumbled backward against the reinforced white wall near the front entrance, her golden fabric catching on the sharp corner of the baseboard.
Clara: You'll regret this, Richard! My father's lawyers will tear you apart piece by piece!
Richard: Let them try to defend an attempted child murderer in front of a federal judge!
Standing tall in the center of the foyer, Richard towered over the terrified woman who now cowered against the wall in absolute defeat. He extended a firm, unyielding arm, pointing aggressively straight toward the heavy front exit.
Richard: You evil monster! Get out of my house before I lock you away forever!
Clara: You can't throw me out like a stray dog... I own fifty percent of this mansion!
Richard: The prenuptial agreement nullifies all asset claims in the event of criminal prosecution against family members!