Julian: Officers! Why are there officers outside my front gate?!
Clara: They aren't outside anymore, Julian. Look behind you.
Two uniformed police officers, accompanied by two suits from the state financial crimes division, walked steadily down the grand staircase into the crowded room. Julian's face lost all color as he realized escape was impossible.
Officer: Julian Vance?
Julian: Yes, but there's been a misunderstanding! This is a domestic dispute!
Officer: We have a warrant for your arrest regarding grand larceny, wire fraud, and attempted murder.
Chloë: Wire fraud?! What about my ring?! He bought this diamond ring for me!
Detective: Miss, if that ring was purchased with embezzled corporate funds, it is currently evidence in a federal investigation.
Chloë: What?! No! He gave this to me!
Chloë frantically tried to pull the sparkling ring off her finger, but her hands were shaking so severely that she accidentally dropped it onto the cold marble floor. The heavy ring bounced away, rolling right to Clara's pristine silver heels.
Clara: That's my mother's heirloom ring. He stole it from my safe three weeks ago.
Julian: Clara, please! I'll give everything back! Just tell them to drop the charges!
Clara: I didn't press the charges, Julian. The district attorney did after reviewing your bank records.
Julian: I did it for us! I wanted to build an empire so you'd finally respect me!
Clara: Respect is earned through honor, not fraud, theft, and deceit.
The lead officer stepped forward, grabbing Julian's hands and pulling them firmly behind his back. The metal click of the handcuffs rang out sharply across the silent ballroom, heard by every prominent executive, socialite, and media owner in the city.
Julian: You'll regret this, Clara! You won't have anyone left to protect you!
Clara: I never needed your protection. I was the one keeping you out of prison all these years.
Chloë: Wait! Officer! What about my father's two million dollars?!
Detective: Ma'am, your father will need to contact his legal representative immediately. The accounts are frozen.
Chloë: You ruined my life! You ruined everything!
Clara: You helped him plan a fake wedding in my home while wearing my stolen jewelry. You ruined yourself.
As the officers began leading Julian toward the front exit, he turned his head back, staring at Clara with a mix of desperation and rage. Clara didn't flinch, standing tall in her stunning dress as her former life as a victim came to an end.
Julian: Clara! Talk to me! Don't let them take me away like this!
Clara: Goodbye, Julian. Enjoy the foreclosure sale.
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