The security guards dragged a screaming Richard out through the front glass doors as sirens echoed in the long estate driveway.
The guests slowly dispersed, talking in hushed, shocked tones as Ethan stood alone in the center of the grand hallway.
Elena turned to walk back toward the kitchen to collect her personal coat.
Ethan Sterling: Elena... please. Stop.
Ethan ran toward her, dropping heavily onto both knees right in front of the kitchen entrance.
The powerful, arrogant CEO was weeping openly, his shoulders shaking as he looked up at the young woman he had struck.
Ethan Sterling: I was wrong... I was so blind and monstrous to you... You saved my son's life while I raised my hand against you.
Elena: Stand up, Mr. Sterling. You look pathetic on the floor.
Ethan Sterling: I will give you anything! A million dollars... ten million! I’ll give you a mansion of your own! Just tell me how to make this right!
Elena looked down at him with a quiet, solemn expression, her hand touching her throbbing cheek.
Elena: You think money fixes everything, don't you? That’s why you treated me like an object instead of a human being.
Ethan Sterling: I was angry about the property... I didn't know—
Elena: A man who hits first and asks questions later doesn't deserve the wealth he sits on.
Clara walked down the stairs holding Leo’s hand, tears streaming down her face as she looked at her husband on his knees.
Clara: She's right, Ethan. Money can't wipe the blood off her face or undo what you did tonight.
Ethan Sterling: Clara... please...
Clara: I am taking Leo to my mother's house tonight. I need time to decide if I can even look at you anymore.
Ethan Sterling: No! Clara, don't leave me!
Clara: You showed everyone who you really are when you hit an innocent girl who was trying to save our boy.
Clara picked up Leo and walked past him, heading straight out the front doors into the cool night air.
Ethan sat on the cold floor, his head in his hands, surrounded by the empty luxury of his multi-million-dollar estate.
Elena zipped up her worn winter coat, picking up her small shoulder bag from the staff closet.
Ethan Sterling: Elena... please don't press charges... I'll settle out of court for whatever amount you name...
Elena: My lawyer will be in touch with your corporate office tomorrow morning, Mr. Sterling.
Ethan Sterling: Please... I'll lose everything!
Elena: You already lost everything the moment you chose your ego over a child's life.
She turned around and walked out the back entrance, leaving the broken CEO sitting alone in the silence of his hollow palace.