Richard gripped the phone tightly, his knuckles turning white as he stared down Victoria. The grand hallway, decorated with elegant white crown molding and expensive artwork, felt less like a luxury home and more like a high-stakes crime scene. He needed to act fast, but he could not leave Lily alone with a woman who had just physically restrained her. He took a slow breath, trying to keep his voice steady for his daughter's sake.
Richard: Lily, I want you to go into the kitchen and lock the door behind you.
Lily: No, Daddy! Don't leave me with her!
Richard: I am right here, sweetheart. Just do as I say, okay? I will protect you.
Victoria: She doesn't need to go anywhere, Richard. We can talk about this like adults.
Richard: We are way past talking, Victoria.
Lily nodded reluctantly, her small hands shaking as she backed away down the corridor toward the heavy kitchen door. Once he heard the soft click of the lock, Richard turned back to face Victoria. He tapped the screen of the phone, attempting to mute the video feed while dialing the emergency dispatch number. Victoria saw his movement and stepped closer, her eyes flashing with pure desperation.
Victoria: If you call the police, you destroy this family forever!
Richard: You destroyed this family the moment you touched my wife's medicine!
Victoria: You don't understand how much money is at stake, Richard! Dad's entire estate!
Richard: I don't care about the money! I care about Clara!
Victoria: Clara never appreciated what she had! She was always the favorite!
The bitterness in Victoria's voice was sharp enough to cut through the quiet air. For years, she had played the role of the supportive older sister, visiting Clara at the estate and pretending to be delighted by their comfortable life. But behind that pleasant facade was a deep-seated jealousy that had finally bubbled over into violence. She had planned this carefully, waiting for the right moment when Clara was vulnerable.
Richard: You gave her something at dinner three nights ago, didn't you?
Victoria: She was weak, Richard. She was always weak.
Richard: And the nurse in the video... how much did you pay him to poison her IV?
Victoria: Enough to make sure he never speaks a word to anyone.
Richard: You are sick, Victoria. You need help, but first, you are going to jail.
Before Richard could press the call button, Victoria lunged forward again, this time slapping her hand against the side of his face. The sharp crack echoed through the wide foyer, causing Richard to stumble back a step. The phone slipped from his hand, bouncing off the hard floor and sliding toward the base of the staircase. Victoria dropped to her knees immediately, scrambling across the oak floor to grab the device before he could reach it.