Richard handed Maya gently to Elena, ensuring the child was safe and supported.
He walked firmly toward the base of the staircase where Veronica stood frozen.
The air in the grand foyer felt icy cold despite the warm sun streaming through.
Veronica: We can discuss this privately upstairs without the domestic staff present!
Richard: There is nothing left for us to discuss behind closed doors, Veronica.
Richard pulled out his legal contact list on his phone and placed a call.
He put the phone call on speaker mode so everyone in the room heard.
Richard: Call my divorce lawyer immediately and prepare full separation paperwork today.
Veronica gasped aloud as the reality of her ruined situation finally settled in.
She had entered the marriage seeking access to the immense Sterling family trust fund.
Now, her cruel misstep had cost her every luxury she held so dear.
Veronica: You cannot just throw me out over a simple household dispute!
Richard: You endangered my daughter's emotional peace and destroyed all remaining trust.
Richard pointed his finger sternly toward the heavy open entrance doors of the mansion.
Richard: Get out of my house right now!
Veronica stepped backward in shock, her high heels catching slightly on the step runner.
She looked around the vast lobby, searching for any ally or sympathetic glance.
Elena stood firm beside young Maya, holding the mother's gold locket safely in hand.
The estate security guards walked into the foyer following Richard's direct remote command signal.
Richard: Escort this woman off my private property and secure all entrance gates.
Veronica realized that no amount of tears or excuses could reverse her public downfall.
She turned around quickly and gathered her designer handbag from the hall table.
She walked out through the heavy double doors into the bright afternoon sun without looking back.