The metal handcuffs clicked loudly around Julian's wrists, making Clara jump in surprise.
Julian: Mother! Tell them to stop! You're going to ruin the family name in the newspapers tomorrow!
Mrs. Sterling: You ruined our family name the moment you raised your hand against the woman who gave you life.
Officer Davis: What about the second individual mentioned in the call?
Mr. Vance: Richard Sterling stole a forty-thousand-dollar heirloom ring from Mrs. Sterling's bedroom safe.
Richard: It wasn't in a safe! It was sitting in a vanity drawer!
Mr. Vance: That does not make it your property, Richard.
The second officer stepped forward, grabbing Richard's arm and snapping a second pair of handcuffs onto his wrists.
Richard: Julian, do something! Call our corporate lawyer!
Julian: Shut up, Richard! This is all your fault! If you hadn't stolen that damn ring, none of this would have happened!
Richard: My fault?! You were the one who slapped Mother across the face, you violent psycho!
Officer Davis: Both of you quiet down! Walk outside to the patrol car right now!
The officers led Julian and Richard down the marble steps of the grand foyer, their wet shoes squeaking against the polished oak floor.
The heavy front door slammed shut behind them, leaving the foyer in absolute, peaceful silence.
Mrs. Sterling leaned back in her chair, letting out a long, heavy sigh of relief.
Mrs. Sterling: It's finally over...
Mr. Vance: The court will appoint an independent receiver tomorrow morning to oversee the corporate accounts, Mrs. Sterling.
Mrs. Sterling: Thank you, Arthur. You have been a true friend to my late husband and me.
Mr. Vance: I will file the restraining orders first thing in the morning. Neither Julian nor Richard will be allowed within five hundred yards of this property.
Mrs. Sterling: Good. They do not deserve to step foot under this roof ever again.
Clara walked over slowly, holding a warm cup of herbal tea on a silver tray.
Clara: Mrs. Sterling... please drink some tea. You look so pale after everything that happened tonight.
Mrs. Sterling looked up at the young maid, taking the cup with trembling fingers.
Mrs. Sterling: Clara, my dear... I am so sorry for the terrible way my sons treated you tonight.
Clara: You don't have to apologize, ma'am. You were the one who got hurt protecting me.
Mrs. Sterling: You have taken care of this house and my granddaughter with pure devotion. Starting tomorrow, your salary will be doubled.
Clara gasped, setting the silver tray down on the table.
Clara: Doubled? Mrs. Sterling, that is too much!
Mrs. Sterling: It is not enough for the loyalty you showed us tonight, Clara. You are part of this home now.