Eleanor: [Screaming in absolute shock] Ahhh! Get this off me!
Jonathan: [Pausing at the doorway and looking back over his shoulder] Karma has a funny way of settling accounts, Eleanor.
Eleanor: You planned this! You manipulated those security cameras to ruin me!
Jonathan: I didn't have to plan anything. Your own hatred and malice did all the work for you.
The remaining bucket of ice and water plunged downward from the upper landing, splashing directly onto Eleanor's immaculate red velvet gown. A loud, violent splash echoed off the vaulted ceiling as gallons of freezing water drenched her from head to toe. The expensive designer fabric darkened instantly, clinging heavily to her frail frame as ice cubes bounced off her silver hair and scattered across the steps. Eleanor screamed in fury and utter humiliation, standing directly in front of the giant American flag that hung behind the grand staircase. Her face twisted into an ugly, contorted snarl of pure rage as shivering wet velvet clung tightly to her trembling limbs. The assembled guests gasped in disbelief, whispering frantically among themselves as they witnessed the almighty billionaire matriarch completely soaked and defeated.
Eleanor: Don't you ever come near us again! Do you hear me?! You are dead to this family!
Jonathan: [Glaring back with blazing anger and protective fury] The only thing that's dead right now is your control over our lives.
Eleanor: Marcus! Call security right now! Have them arrested for trespassing and assault!
Marcus: [Stepping out from the side hallway with a cold, professional smile] I'm afraid my only client right now is Mr. Vance, Mrs. Vance.
Jonathan: Save your breath for the federal prosecutor, Eleanor. The divorce lawyer and the custody judge are going to have a field day with this footage.
A rising tension string arrangement swelled through the grand hall, building to an unbearable crescendo before cutting abruptly into absolute, dead silence. Jonathan turned his back on her completely, carrying Lily through the heavy double doors toward the waiting limousine outside. The crisp afternoon air hit them instantly, but inside the vehicle, the climate control had already been cranked to maximum heat. Thomas, the loyal family chauffeur, quickly wrapped a heated wool blanket around Lily's trembling shoulders as Jonathan strapped her securely into the back seat. Through the tinted glass, they watched Eleanor standing alone on the grand staircase, dripping wet and screaming obscenely at the empty air. The ironclad grip she had held over the Vance dynasty for thirty years was officially broken in less than sixty seconds.