The heavy doors at the back of the banquet hall swung open once again. This time, six federal marshals walked in, accompanied by four men in grey suits holding legal briefcases.
Victoria: What is this?! Who called the police?!
Lead Marshal: Victoria Sterling? Julian Miller?
Julian: Yes... I'm Julian.
Lead Marshal: You are both under arrest for federal wire fraud, corporate embezzlement, and conspiracy to commit forgery.
Victoria: Get away from me! Do you know who my father was?!
Lead Marshal: Ma'am, your father was Harrison Sterling, and his legitimate estate representative filed these criminal charges two hours ago.
The marshal grabbed Victoria's arm, pulling her wrists behind her back. Victoria screamed, kicking her legs as the steel handcuffs clicked around her hands.
Victoria: Let go of me! Evelyn, you bitch! You ruined my life!
Evelyn: You ruined your own life the day you decided to forge my father's signature. I just brought the light into your dark room.
Julian didn't fight back at all. He held his hands out willingly, letting the second officer cuff him in front of the entire elite class of the city.
Julian: Evelyn... I'm sorry. I was stupid. She promised me a seat on the board...
Evelyn: Save your apologies for the judge, Julian. You look pathetic in that tuxedo.
Victoria: This isn't over! My lawyers will have me out by midnight!
Arthur Vance: I wouldn't bet on that, Victoria. As the lead legal counsel for the banking syndicate, I am personally revoking your bail eligibility due to flight risk.
Victoria's jaw dropped as she looked at Arthur Vance in total shock.
Victoria: Mr. Vance! You were my father's friend!
Arthur Vance: Harrison was my friend. You are a thief who disgraced his memory.
The marshals dragged Victoria and Julian out of the grand banquet hall. Her white suit was wrinkled, her makeup was smeared with tears, and her loud screams echoed down the long hallway until the heavy doors slammed shut.
The entire room went dead silent. Hundreds of wealthy guests stood in place, staring at Evelyn, who remained standing on the stage in her simple black dress.
Evelyn: The party is over, ladies and gentlemen. But the real work begins tomorrow morning.