Ethan stepped even closer, staring down into Victoria's terrified blue eyes.
Ethan: You thought you were so clever when you tampered with my brakes.
Victoria's eyes widened in sheer horror as her throat tightened up completely.
Victoria: I don't know what you are talking about, Ethan!
Ethan: The mechanic found the clean cut on my primary brake line, Victoria.
Ethan: He also found a small gold earring dropped near the car's tire.
Ethan reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small plastic bag.
Inside the bag sat a matching gold earring shaped like a coiled snake.
Victoria covered her mouth with both hands, her knees trembling uncontrollably now.
Victoria: That does not prove anything against me in a real court!
Ethan: It proved enough for the police investigators six months ago.
Ethan: But I asked them to wait until you revealed your full network.
Victoria: You kept me here under surveillance this entire long time?
Ethan: Every phone call you made to Julian Vance was logged and transcribed.
Ethan: Every dollar you transferred from my accounts went into a trapped bank.
Victoria turned around quickly and tried to sprint toward the heavy front doors.
Clara stepped smartly into her path and blocked the main exit route completely.
Clara: You are not escaping your consequences today, Miss Victoria.
Victoria: Get out of my way, you pathetic little maid!
Ethan grabbed Victoria's arm firmly, stopping her movement without causing harm.
Ethan: Look at the front entryway, Victoria, and see your future.
The massive front doors swung open slowly, letting in bright natural daylight.
Two uniformed federal officers walked calmly into the bright marble foyer.
Behind them stood Detective Miller holding a thick stack of legal warrants.
Detective Miller: Victoria Hayes, you are under arrest for attempted murder and fraud.
Victoria: Ethan, please! We can work this out together as a family!
Ethan: You destroyed any chance of mercy when you tried to kill me.
Victoria: Julian made me do it! He threatened to ruin my life!
Detective Miller: Mr. Vance is already in handcuffs down at the precinct.