Julian: Clara, please... we're family. We can settle this out of court without destroying the company name.
Evelyn: You didn't treat her like family when you froze her accounts and sat on that throne while your mother slapped me across the face.
Julian: I didn't know Mother went that far with the offshore accounts! I was just trying to protect our corporate reputation!
Clara: Complicity is just as bad as committing the crime, Julian. You enjoyed the luxury while turning a blind eye to her cruelty.
Victoria: You will get nothing from the estate! I will contest every single lawsuit!
Evelyn: Contesting a lawsuit takes money, Victoria. And once the federal agents execute the freeze on your assets, you won't even be able to pay for this mansion's electricity bill.
Outside, the faint sound of sirens began to echo down the long winding driveway, growing louder with every passing second. Victoria's face drained of all color as she looked toward the heavy front doors.
Victoria: You called them already?
Evelyn: I pressed the emergency notification on my phone the moment I walked into this living room.
Julian: Mom... what did you do? What else haven't you told me about the funds?
Victoria: I did it for us! For our status in society!
Julian: You did it for yourself!
Clara took her mother's hand, feeling the warm, steady pulse of the woman who had fought so hard to rescue her from this golden cage. They walked together toward the front exit, stepping past Julian who stood motionless in the center of the foyer.
Julian: Clara... will you at least talk to my defense attorney when this goes to trial?
Clara: Tell the truth to the judge, Julian. That's the only help you'll ever get from me.
Victoria: Clara! You come back here right now!
Victoria tried to rush after them, but her long lace gown snagged on the broken glass of the crystal vase. She stumbled, falling hard onto the marble floor she had spent decades trying to control. The flashing red and blue lights of the police cruisers flooded through the grand stained-glass windows, casting long, sharp shadows across the room.
Evelyn: Keep walking, sweetheart. Don't look back.
Clara: I'm not looking back, Mom. I'm finally looking forward.
They pushed open the massive double doors, stepping out into the fresh afternoon air as officers began rushing up the stone steps.
Police Officer: Ma'am, are you Evelyn Vance?
Evelyn: Yes, officer. I am the one who called. The documents regarding the financial fraud and physical assault are right here.