Victoria’s heels clicked in a frantic sprint down the long marble corridor.
Marcus: Don’t you take another step!
Marcus surged forward, his boots gripping the polished floor as he closed the distance instantly.
Victoria reached for the grand banister, trying to fling herself toward the front foyer.
Marcus reached out and grabbed her wrist in an iron grip.
Victoria: Let go of me! You're assaulting me! I will call my divorce lawyer!
Marcus: We aren’t married, Victoria. There is no divorce lawyer coming to save you.
Victoria swung her left arm, her diamond engagement ring aiming straight for his cheek.
Marcus caught her wrist mid-air, twisting it away with calculated force.
Marcus: You don't get to wear my mother's diamond while trying to bury my child.
He stripped the five-carat platinum ring from her finger with one sharp pull.
Victoria: That is mine! You gave it to me!
Marcus: It belonged to a woman with a soul. You don't qualify.
He tossed the ring onto the floor, where it skattered across the white marble toward the baseboards.
Victoria: Marcus, please! Think about what you're doing!
Marcus: I am protecting my family from a predator.
He dragged her firmly by the arm toward the top of the grand staircase.
Victoria: You have no proof! A grainy camera feed won't hold up in court!
Marcus: That camera records in 4K resolution with synchronized audio.
Victoria stopped pulling, her entire body freezing mid-step.
Victoria: Audio?
Marcus: Every single word you muttered while tying that ribbon was recorded.
A cold drop of sweat rolled down the side of Victoria's neck, ruining her perfect makeup.
Marcus: 'Just go to sleep, little brat. Daddy will be all mine by Friday.'
Victoria’s mouth opened, but no sound came out except a dry, strangled gasp.
Marcus: Did you really think I wouldn't install high-end security after my wife passed?
Victoria: Marcus... I was sick. I was having a breakdown! Post-traumatic stress!
Marcus: You don't have stress, Victoria. You have an offshore debt in the Caymans.
Victoria’s eyes dilated in pure terror as she realized how much he already uncovered.
Victoria: Who told you that?
Marcus: My private investigator cleared your background yesterday afternoon.
Victoria: He lied to you! They’re trying to tear us apart because of our social status!
Marcus: Two million in unpaid casino markers. Three foreclosed properties in Miami.
He pulled her down the first three steps, forcing her toward the towering double front doors.
Victoria: Let me go! I’ll leave the country! You will never see me again!
Marcus: You aren't boarding any flights today.
Below them in the foyer, the heavy oak doors swung open wide.
Two county sheriff deputies stepped inside, their hands resting firmly near their utility belts.
Deputy: Marcus Vance? We received an emergency dispatch from your security provider.
Marcus stood tall at the bottom landing, holding Victoria by her trembling sleeve.
Marcus: Officer, arrest this woman for attempted murder.
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