The heavy metal handcuffs clicked tightly around Victoria's manicured wrists behind her lace dress back.
The officers guided her into the back seat of the police cruiser while neighborhood crowds watched on.
Mark took a deep breath of relief as the police cars drove away down the quiet suburban street.
The paramedics wrapped Sarah in a warm blanket and loaded her gently into the ambulance van.
Mark grabbed Lily's hand and sat beside Sarah inside the back of the medical transport unit.
At the local city hospital doctors gave Sarah fluids and treated her minor cuts and bruises.
A team of financial investigators arrived at the hospital ward two hours later to interview Mark.
They had spent the last two hours reviewing Victoria's recent bank transactions and computer files.
Financial Investigator: Mr. Miller, your wife had already forged your signature on several bank trust papers.
Mark: How much money was she trying to drain from my daughter's inheritance account?
Financial Investigator: Over three million dollars was scheduled to transfer to an offshore bank tomorrow morning.
Mark covered his face with his hands as the terrifying depth of the plot became totally clear.
If Lily had not stopped the pool music to listen to the faint knocking, Sarah might have died.
Victoria planned to complete the illegal offshore money transfer and flee the country by nightfall.
Her entire life of luxury was built on a web of greedy lies and ruthless manipulation tactics.
Sarah reached out from her hospital bed frame and gently squeezed Mark's hand with warm comfort.
Sarah: The important thing is that our little girl is safe now, Mark.
Mark: I am so sorry I ever doubted your sudden departure three months ago, Sarah.
Sarah: She played us both against each other with her terrible clever lies.
Lily: Are you coming back home with us now, Mom?
Sarah: Yes, my sweet darling, I am never leaving your side ever again.