Margaret: Julian! Where is my son?! Julian, help me!
Elena: Julian is currently sitting in a holding cell downtown answering questions about wire fraud and corporate shell companies.
Margaret: You set him up... you orchestrated this entire audit behind our backs!
Elena: I simply let you dig your own graves. Greed always leaves a paper trail, Margaret.
Clara slowly pulled herself up, leaning against a nearby pillar with Elena's steadying hand guiding her weight. The fear in Clara's eyes had vanished, replaced by the quiet, fierce dignity of a woman reclaiming her life. Elena walked over to a towering decorative vase filled with deep red roses, standing beside it with a posture of absolute authority as fallen petals drifted slowly across the polished floor.
Clara: Do you think they'll actually face prison time, Elena?
Elena: Federal grand larceny carries a mandatory minimum sentence, Clara. They won't be seeing daylight anytime soon.
Margaret: This isn't over! Our lawyers will dismantle your entire corporation!
Elena: Your lawyers were arrested twenty minutes ago for obstruction of justice. Save your breath for the magistrate.
The heavy ballroom doors swung open wide as federal marshals in tactical vests marched into the hall, their boots clicking sharply against the marble. The remaining guests scrambled to clear a path, terrified of being associated with the disgraced family. Elena looked down at the scattered red rose petals at her feet, speaking into the quiet stillness of the room with poetic finality.
Elena: EVERY ROSE HAS THORNS.
Marshal: Margaret Vance? You are under arrest for financial racketeering and conspiracy.
Margaret: Don't touch me! Do you know who I am?!
Marshal: We know exactly who you are, ma'am. Put your hands behind your back.
The heavy steel handcuffs snapped shut around Margaret's wrists with a sharp metallic ring that echoed off the high vaulted ceiling. Clara watched without a shred of pity as the woman who had terrorized her family was hauled away in chains past the glittering chandeliers.