The tension inside the vast marble hallway reached an unbearable peak in seconds.
David walked over to his grand oak desk and picked up his private phone.
He immediately dialed his senior corporate divorce lawyer on direct speed dial.
David: Arthur, I need you to initiate emergency divorce proceedings immediately today.
Victoria gasped loudly and rushed across the hall, grabbing David by the suit arm.
Victoria: David, stop this nonsense right now before you ruin our social standing!
David pulled his arm back forcefully and stepped away from her immediate reach.
David: You ruined our standing the moment you chose path of dishonesty and malice.
Victoria: I am your legal wife and I have rights to this estate!
David: You signed a strict prenuptial agreement before our wedding two years ago.
Victoria's eyes widened in sudden panic as the reality hit her hard.
Victoria: That agreement only applies if I break the conditions of loyalty!
David: Malicious destruction of property and fraud completely void your financial claims.
Elena stepped forward quietly, picking up the large broom from the utility closet.
Elena: Let me clean up this dangerous glass so no one gets hurt, sir.
David: No, Elena, do not touch that glass right now with your bare hands.
David called out toward the side hallway where the household security team stayed.
Two uniformed security officers entered the foyer quickly and stood at strict attention.
David: Escort Mrs. Sterling to her room so she can gather her personal items.
Victoria: Get your hands off me, I am the lady of this mansion!
Officer: Please follow us peacefully, ma'am, without causing further disturbance.
Maya watched quietly as her stepmother was led away up the glass staircase.
Maya: She was planning to replace all of mom's old portraits next week, Dad.
David looked at his daughter in shock, realizing how much she had noticed.
David: What do you mean, Maya? What portraits were you talking about?
Maya: I overheard her on the phone talking to an auction house yesterday morning.
David: She was going to sell your mother's private art collection behind my back?
Maya: Yes, she said she was going to transfer the funds to her private account.
David felt a cold shiver run down his spine as the truth unravelled.
David: The betrayal runs so much deeper than I could have ever imagined.
Elena looked at David with soft sympathy while holding the broom in hand.
Elena: I am so sorry you have to go through this painful revelation, sir.
David: Thank you, Elena, for always staying honest and steady for my daughter.