Officer Davis: We'll need a copy of that video file transferred to our digital evidence portal, Mr. Vance.
Richard: I'm sending the direct download link to your official precinct email right now.
Officer Davis: Thank you, sir. An investigator will be in touch tomorrow to take a formal statement, but with this footage, the state prosecutor will likely file charges by morning.
Margarethe was led down the stairs, struggling against Officer Miller's grip, her polished red dress rumpled as she was escorted through the front doors toward the parked patrol car.
Margarethe: Richard! Don't do this to me! Think about my reputation!
The heavy oak doors slammed shut behind them, cutting off her shouts.
Richard stood in the center of the vast foyer, his chest breathing heavily as the silence settled back into the house. He turned slowly toward the study door.
Richard: Maria? You can bring her out now.
The door clicked open, and Maria walked out carrying Clara, who was now quietly chewing on a soft toy.
Maria: Is she gone, Mr. Vance?
Richard: She's in police custody. She won't ever come back here again.
Maria: Thank God... I was so scared she was going to convince you I did it.
Richard: Maria, look at me. I screamed at you when I first walked through that door, and for that, I am deeply, deeply sorry.
Maria: You were scared for your baby, sir. Any father would react that way before knowing the facts.
Richard: That's no excuse. You dove across a marble floor to catch my daughter. You saved her life today.
Maria: Clara is like family to me, Mr. Vance. I would never let anything harm her.
Richard: Starting today, your salary is doubled. And I'm placing a permanent trust fund in your name for your own children's college education.
Maria's eyes widened in total shock, her hand coming up to cover her mouth.
Maria: Mr. Vance... no, that's too much! I was just doing my job!
Richard: You did far more than your job, Maria. You protected my child when the person who was supposed to care for her tried to destroy her. I will never forget that.
Clara reached out her small arms toward Richard, making a soft cooing sound.
Clara: Papa, hold?
Richard took his daughter into his arms, lifting her tight against his shoulder as tears finally welled in his own eyes.
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