The heavy double front doors burst open, and four armed Dallas police officers rushed into the grand foyer, followed closely by two paramedics carrying a stretcher[cite: 1].
Officer Ramirez: Nobody move! Police! Put your hands in the air!
David: Officers, over here! I am David Chen, the homeowner. My wife is on the sofa, she's pregnant and was just assaulted[cite: 1].
Officer Ramirez: Lower your weapon, sir!
I immediately set the wooden rod on the floor and raised both hands in the air[cite: 1]. The officers scanned the room, seeing Martha injured on the floor and Chloe cradling her belly on the couch[cite: 1].
Officer Ramirez: Paramedics, check the pregnant woman first! What happened here?
David: That woman, Martha, pushed my wife over the second-floor balcony[cite: 1]. I managed to catch my wife mid-air to save her life[cite: 1]. Then I confronted Martha on the landing, and she fell over the rail during the struggle[cite: 1].
Martha: He threw me! He tried to kill me, officer! Look at my leg!
Officer Ramirez: Quiet down, ma'am! We'll get you checked out by the second medical team.
Paramedic: Ma'am, stay still. I'm checking your pulse and baby's heart rate right now. What's your name?
Chloe: Chloe... Chloe Chen. Please check the baby... please tell me he's okay.
The paramedic placed a portable fetal doppler against Chloe's stomach[cite: 1]. After a brief second of tense silence, a strong, rapid beating sound filled the quiet foyer—*thump-thump, thump-thump, thump-thump*.
Paramedic: Heartbeat is strong and steady at 145 beats per minute. Your baby is doing great, Mrs. Chen. You both survived a miracle today.
Chloe: Oh, thank god! Thank god!
David: Officer, before you take Martha to the hospital, you need to see this phone and our security footage.
Officer Ramirez: What's on the phone?
David: Written proof of a conspiracy to murder my wife and unborn child[cite: 1]. My stepmother, Victoria Vance, paid her two hundred thousand dollars to stage an accident[cite: 1].
Officer Ramirez took the phone, reading the text messages out loud to his partner[cite: 1]. His expression hardened as he looked down at Martha, who was now weeping in shame on the floor[cite: 1].
Officer Ramirez: Officer Davis, place the suspect under formal arrest for attempted capital murder and conspiracy. Secure her to the gurney once the medics wrap her leg.
Martha: Please! It wasn't my idea! Victoria forced me! She threatened to fire me if I didn't do it!
Officer Ramirez: Save it for the judge, ma'am. You have the right to remain silent.
David: Officer, I want Victoria Vance arrested today. She's currently at her penthouse on Turtle Creek Boulevard.
Officer Ramirez: Don't worry, Mr. Chen. With this text evidence and your security video, a detective is already drafting a warrant for her arrest right now. She won't be enjoying her penthouse tonight.