Two police detectives in dark trench coats stepped into the grand entryway, shaking off the rain as Arthur met them near the stairs.
Detective Vance: Mr. Sterling. We got the emergency call from your security detail. Where is the suspect?
Arthur: My guards have her locked in the west wing holding room, Detective. She tried to throw my daughter off the upper balcony.
Detective Vance: That's a heavy charge, sir. Do you have video evidence? I know this mansion is fitted with full surveillance.
Arthur: Every square inch of the foyer is recorded in high definition. My security chief is pulling up the footage right now.
Detective Vance: Good. We'll need that for the grand jury. Is the child uninjured?
Arthur: Thanks to our housemaid, Clara, yes. Clara threw herself under my daughter and caught her in mid-air.
Detective Vance: That maid sounds like a brave woman. We'll need a statement from her as well when she's ready.
Arthur: She's in the library resting with Lily. My personal physician is examining her right now.
The security chief walked out from the office holding a small black USB flash drive, handing it directly to Detective Vance.
Security Chief: Here is the raw angle from the balcony camera, Detective. It shows everything crystal clear.
Detective Vance: Let's take a quick look on your tablet, Chief.
The detective tapped the screen, playing the footage of Victoria carrying Lily to the rail, dangling her over the drop, and intentionally opening her hands.
Detective Vance: Jesus... she didn't even hesitate. This is outright attempted pre-meditated murder.
Arthur: She wanted the child's trust fund money. She admitted it to me right before you arrived.
Detective Vance: Did she state that verbally on camera?
Arthur: Yes, right on the balcony landing. The audio feeds in this house catch everything.
Detective Vance: That's an open-and-shut case. She's going away for a very long time, Mr. Sterling.
Arthur: Make sure she doesn't get bail, Vance. I have top divorce lawyers already preparing the annulment and lawsuit for fraud.
Detective Vance: With this video evidence, no judge in the state will grant her bail. Let's go bring her out.
The officers walked down the west corridor to retrieve Victoria, who was still weeping loudly and protesting her innocence.
Victoria: Arthur! You can't let them take me away in handcuffs! Think about the media fallout!
Arthur: The media will know you for exactly what you are, Victoria—a ruthless gold-digger who tried to kill a baby.
Victoria: I hate you! I hate both of you! You ruined my life!
Detective Vance: You have the right to remain silent, Mrs. Sterling. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.
Victoria was escorted through the front doors, her expensive brown gown dragged across the wet driveway as officers loaded her into the back of the police cruiser.
Arthur stood on the porch, watching the red taillights vanish down the private estate road, feeling the heavy burden finally lift from his shoulders.
He turned back inside, walking quietly into the warm library where the fireplace crackled with soft orange flames.
Clara was sitting on the rug, her cheek wrapped in a light bandage, holding a open picture book while Lily rested her head on her lap.
Arthur: The police have taken her into custody. She won't ever step foot in this house again.
Clara: Thank God, Mr. Sterling. I was so worried she might come back.
Arthur: She's going to prison, Clara. The video evidence was undeniable.
Lily: Is the mean lady gone forever, Daddy?
Arthur: Yes, sweet girl. She's gone forever. Nobody is ever going to hurt you again.