The heavy mahogany doors banged open once more as two local police officers rushed into the grand foyer, their hands resting on their utility belts as they surveyed the chaotic scene. The bright natural daylight cut across the room, highlighting the blood on the floor and Victoria's disheveled appearance.
Officer Vance: Police department! Stay right where you are! What happened here?
Richard: Officer, thank goodness you're here. That woman on the floor just attempted to drop an infant carrier off the second-story balcony.
Victoria: He's lying! He assaulted me unprovoked! Look at my face, look at my broken tooth! He's a violent monster!
Officer Vance: Ma'am, stay seated and keep your hands visible. We received the automated smart-home security alert, and we're going to review the hallway footage immediately.
Victoria's face went completely pale as the officer tapped a tablet device displaying the crystal-clear video feed of her dropping the baby carrier over the railing. Any lingering hope of legal manipulation evaporated instantly in the harsh light of undeniable digital proof[cite: 4].
Victoria: The baby was crying too loudly... it was a momentary lapse in judgment due to extreme stress over our pending divorce settlement[cite: 4]!
Officer Vance: A lapse in judgment doesn't cover attempted child murder[cite: 4]. Put your hands behind your back, Victoria. You're under arrest.
The sharp click of steel handcuffs echoed loudly through the high-key hall as the officers hauled Victoria up from the marble floor. She shot one final, venomous glare toward Richard as they dragged her toward the exit.
Victoria: You think you've won, Richard, but my divorce lawyers will strip you of every corporate asset you own before the week is out[cite: 4]!
Richard: Let my lawyers talk to yours from inside a jail cell[cite: 4]. Get her out of my sight.
The heavy front doors swung shut behind the departing police cruiser, leaving a profound, settling quiet in the luxury mansion. Richard let out a long, shuddering sigh, running his hands through his hair as the adrenaline finally began to fade from his system.
Richard: Elena? Are you and the baby alright upstairs?
Elena walked slowly down the sweeping staircase, offering a warm, reassuring smile as she clutched a clean blanket to her chest.
Elena: We're both safe, Mr. Harrison. She fell fast asleep right after I gave her the bottle.
Richard: Thank God for your quick reflexes today, Elena. If you hadn't caught that carrier, I don't even want to think about what would have happened[cite: 4].