Richard turned toward the two police officers standing by the front door.
Richard: Arrest her immediately! You are going to prison!
Officer: Step forward, ma'am, and keep your hands where we can see them.
Victoria backed away toward the bottom of the grand banister.
Victoria: You can't do this to me! I am your legal wife!
Richard: My divorce lawyers are already filing the paperwork right now.
The police officers stepped forward and firmly grabbed Victoria's arms.
They placed metal handcuffs around her wrists with a sharp clicking sound.
Victoria: Richard, please! I was only trying to protect our interests!
Richard: You tried to endanger my son in his own mother's house.
Leo held onto his father's hand as Victoria was led away.
Leo: I was so scared, Dad.
Richard: You never have to be scared of her ever again, Leo.
Victoria struggled against the officers as they moved toward the front door.
Victoria: You will regret this, Richard! I will sue you for everything!
Officer: Watch your head as you get into the police cruiser, ma'am.
The grand double doors shut tight, locking out the stormy rain outside.
The entryway suddenly felt quiet, peaceful, and warm once again.
Richard turned to Clara and looked at her with deep gratitude in his eyes.
Richard: You saved my son today, Clara. I cannot thank you enough.
Clara: I only did what was right, Mr. Richard. Leo is a good boy.
Richard: You showed real courage when no one else was here to help.
Clara smiled gently and wiped a tear from her cheek with her apron.
Clara: I promised his late mother I would always keep him safe.
Richard reached out and shook Clara's hand with immense respect.
Richard: You will never have to worry about your job or income ever again.
Leo: Can Clara stay with us forever, Dad?
Richard: If she wants to, she will always have a place in this family.
Clara nodded her head softly with a warm and happy expression.
Clara: I would be honored to stay and care for this home, sir.