Victoria: You're lying! You didn't even know she had a recorder!
Marcus: My wife is a brilliant corporate attorney, Victoria. Did you really think she wouldn't protect her estate from a gold-digger like you?
Marcus pulled his personal phone from his inner suit pocket, tapping the screen to bring up the security portal.
Marcus: Let's play the audio file that uploaded forty-eight hours ago, shall we?
A loud mechanical beep echoed through the stone cellar, followed by Victoria's sharp, clear voice pouring out from the phone speaker.
Recorded Voice: If you don't sign these power of attorney forms, Evelyn, I will make sure Marcus never sees a dime of his company's stock again. I will crush your little girl's trust fund before she turns eight.
Recorded Voice 2: You're insane, Victoria... Marcus will figure this out...
Recorded Voice: Marcus is in London thinking you are resting in Switzerland! By the time he returns, you will be locked away in a private institution, and I will be running the entire estate!
The audio clip stopped with a quiet click. Victoria stood frozen, her face completely drained of color.
Marcus: That sounds like premeditated extortion, kidnapping, and grand larceny, Victoria.
Victoria: Julian... take that phone from him right now!
Guard 1: Mrs. Hall... that audio just went live on a server. If I touch him, I'm facing federal conspiracy charges.
Victoria: I am paying you fifty thousand dollars to secure this property!
Guard 1: You didn't tell us this was a kidnapping, lady. We're out.
The two guards turned on their heels, walking quickly back up the cellar stairs and leaving Victoria standing alone in the dark corridor.
Victoria: Cowards! You pathetic cowards!
Marcus: It's over, Victoria. Hand me your phone and step away from the stairs.
Victoria: You think you've won, Marcus? I still hold fifty percent voting power on the corporate board!
Marcus: Not after the State Police review this recording in about ten minutes.
Heavy, rapid footsteps sounded from the upper level of the mansion, accompanied by the loud wail of police sirens coming down the long driveway.
Evelyn: Marcus... the police...?
Marcus: Ellen called nine-one-one from the guest house ten minutes ago, sweetheart. They're here.
Victoria gasped, backing up against the damp stone wall as four uniformed police officers rushed down the wooden basement stairs with flashlights drawn.
Officer Miller: Police! Nobody move! Hands where we can see them!
Marcus: Over here, Officer! My wife needs immediate medical attention! She was assaulted and held against her will!
Officer Miller: Ma'am, step away from the victim right now!