The lead police officer stepped between Richard and Victoria, opening a official black leather folder.
He pulled out several printed documents detailing unauthorized bank transfers from the family trust fund.
Over the past three months, hundreds of thousands of dollars had been moved into a private offshore account.
Victoria had been planning to clear out the entire inheritance before leaving the country forever.
She saw Lucas as an obstacle who might speak up and tell his father about her cruel behavior.
Richard read the papers quickly, his hands trembling with a mixture of betrayal and deep rage.
He looked at the woman he had trusted and realized her entire life with him was built on lies.
She had never cared about his family, his home, or his sweet, innocent young boy.
Elena stepped forward carefully, bringing Lucas toward his father's safe and open arms.
Richard picked up his son instantly, holding him so tight that the boy finally stopped shaking.
Lucas wrapped his small arms around his father's neck, hiding his face in his dad's suit coat.
Victoria backed up toward the staircase, looking for any possible way to escape the growing crowd.
The second police officer moved quickly to block her path to the front door.
Victoria: You have no right to treat me like a criminal in my own home!
Officer: Ma'am, we have a warrant for your arrest regarding grand theft and child endangerment.
Victoria: This is a massive misunderstanding! Elena framed me because she wants money!
Elena: I only care about keeping Lucas safe from someone who would hurt him.
Victoria let out a loud, frustrated scream as the officer reached for his shiny metal handcuffs.
She tried to pull away, but the officer caught her wrist firmly and brought it behind her back.
The sound of the metal cuffs clicking shut rang out clearly across the wide marble hall.
Victoria's confidence completely shattered into pieces as she realized there was no escape left.
She looked at Richard with wide eyes, begging him to stop the officers from taking her away.
Richard turned his back on her, focusing all his attention on soothing his trembling young son.
He kissed the top of Lucas's head and looked over at Elena with deep gratitude in his eyes.
He realized that without Elena's bravery, his son could have been severely injured or worse today.
The police began guiding Victoria toward the double doors, her green dress rustling with every step.
She screamed insults at the staff, but nobody in the room paid any attention to her words.
The long nightmare that had hovered over the house was finally coming to a decisive end.