Two tall security officers in dark uniforms walked quickly through the double doors of the banquet hall, their hands resting near their belts.
Head Guard: Mrs. Vance, we received the security alert from Sarah.
Claire: Thank you, Mark. Please secure Mr. Vance right here. The police officers are entering the driveway now.
Laurent: Police?! You called the city police on your own brother-in-law?!
Claire: You're not my brother-in-law anymore, Laurent. You are a criminal who assaulted my child.
Laurent: Mark, step back! I am the CEO of this building!
Head Guard: Not anymore, sir. The board issued an emergency suspension five minutes ago based on the live security feed.
Laurent stumbled back against one of the long banquet tables, nearly knocking over a silver water pitcher.
Laurent: An emergency suspension?! Without a hearing?!
Claire: The board members watched the video live on their phones, Laurent. You slapped the heir to the company on camera.
Laurent: They can't do this to me! I own twelve percent of the corporate shares!
Claire: Those shares were used as collateral for the six-hundred-thousand-dollar loan you took from the trust. Since you defaulted on the repayment terms this morning, those shares now belong to Sophie.
Laurent gasped, clutching his stomach again as sheer panic overwhelmed him.
Laurent: My shares... you took my shares?!
Claire: The contract you signed last year was very specific, Laurent. You thought Thomas was too foolish to enforce the default clause, but I am not Thomas.
Sophie: Mommy, are the police going to take Uncle Laurent away?
Claire: Yes, sweetie. He's going to answer for what he did to you.
The heavy glass doors at the main entrance swung open, and two uniformed police officers walked into the marble hall.
Police Officer: Mrs. Claire Vance?
Claire: Yes, Officer. Thank you for arriving so quickly.
Police Officer: We received a report of physical assault against a minor and attempted grand larceny.
Claire: The suspect is standing right there. We have full 4K video evidence downloaded on a secure drive ready for your investigation.