Marcus signaled to his chief bodyguard, who immediately opened the heavy front iron gates of the estate grounds.
Two local police cruisers pulled slowly up the long driveway, their emergency lights flashing quietly against the trees.
Marcus had called the county sheriff before running outside to save his daughter from the broken glass area.
The officers stepped out of their vehicles and walked up the stone steps toward the grand patio area.
Beatrice Vance, you are under arrest for grand theft and systematic financial fraud, the lead officer announced clearly.
Beatrice backed away in utter disbelief, her hands trembling as the deputy placed metal handcuffs around her wrists.
She looked around at her wealthy friends and relatives, but everyone turned their faces away in total shame.
Nobody wanted to be associated with a woman who stole from her own family and abused a child.
As the officers led the crying old woman away, Marcus turned his attention back to his cousin Victoria.
You have two hours to pack your personal belongings and clear out of my house forever, Marcus stated firmly.
Victoria nodded submissively with tears in her eyes, knowing she had no legal right to argue any further.
Marcus walked over to the dry side of the lawn where Evelyn was waiting with the second bodyguard.
He knelt down in front of his precious daughter and pulled a clean cotton handkerchief from his blue pocket.
He gently wiped the dry tear tracks from her rosy cheeks and smiled at her with endless warmth.
Are you okay now, sweetie? Marcus asked softly, placing his large warm hand over her cold fingers.
Evelyn nodded her head and wrapped her arms tightly around her loving father's neck in a warm embrace.