Two police detectives stepped into the grand ballroom, their heavy boots echoing on the polished marble floor.
Detective Miller: Mr. Vance? I'm Detective Miller. We received a call about an attempted poisoning on the premises.
Arthur: Detective, thank you for arriving so quickly. The suspect is currently being held in my study by security.
Detective Miller: And who is the suspect, sir?
Arthur: My wife, Victoria Vance.
Detective Miller: That's a very serious allegation, Mr. Vance. Do you have any physical evidence or witnesses?
Clara: I have everything right here on my phone, Detective.
Clara stepped forward, holding out her smartphone with the video and audio recordings queued up.
Clara: This is high-definition video of Mrs. Vance pouring a substance into the silver decanter twenty minutes ago.
Detective Miller: Let me see that.
The detective took the phone, watching the clip as his partner inspected the silver decanter on the white table.
Detective Partner: Boss, this decanter has a clear residue around the inner rim. We'll need to seal it in an evidence bag for chemical testing immediately.
Detective Miller: Good. Miss, what's your name?
Clara: Clara Miller, sir. I was serving drinks at the gala today.
Detective Miller: You did the right thing by stepping in, Miss Miller. This video is clear as day.
The officers led Victoria out of the study in heavy steel handcuffs, her gold dress looking rumpled and dirtied.
Victoria: Detective, this is a massive misunderstanding! My husband is suffering from dementia!
Arthur: My mind has never been clearer, Victoria. And your time in high society is officially over.
Victoria: Clara, you wretched little snake! You ruined everything!
Clara: You ruined yourself, Mrs. Vance, the moment you put money ahead of human life.
Detective Miller: Watch your head, ma'am. You're going to the central precinct for attempted murder.
The crowd of guests broke into applause as Victoria was escorted out the front doors into a waiting police cruiser.
Arthur: Ladies and gentlemen, I apologize for the disruption today. The gala is officially concluded, but please enjoy the catering on your way out.
The guests slowly began to file out, talking excitedly about the dramatic arrest they had just witnessed.
Arthur: Clara, come sit down. You've had a long afternoon.
Clara: Thank you, Mr. Vance. I'm just glad you're safe.