The truth behind the deceased's ring

Damian slides the platinum ring off Vivienne’s finger. He holds it up to the light, his gaze cutting into her with lethal precision.

DAMIAN

(Voice deadpan, dangerous)

Sofia didn't die of a stroke, did she, Vivienne?

VIVIENNE

(Laughs nervously, fixing her sapphire gown)

Damian, this is absurd! I bought it from an estate dealer! I have the receipt on my phone—

DAMIAN

The ring was in a wooden box beside Sofia's bed. The only people with access to the staff quarters that night were household personnel... and you.

Vivienne's composure fractures. She takes a small step back, but Marco blocks the exit behind her.

VIVIENNE

(Hysterical, whispering)

She was going to blackmail us! She found out about the offshore restructuring—the accounts your family hid! If she went to the press, your empire would have collapsed! I did it to protect us!

[CAMERA QUICK-PAN TO ROSIE]

Rosie hugs her stuffed rabbit, peering out from behind Damian's legs. Damian drops to one knee beside the little girl, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.

DAMIAN

(Softly to Rosie)

Did this woman go into your mommy's room, Rosie?

ROSIE

(Nods slowly, pointing a tiny finger at Vivienne)

She gave Mommy the bitter juice. Then Mommy fell asleep and didn't wake up.

A suffocating silence grips the room.

Damian stands up slowly. The warmth in his eyes vanishes completely.

DAMIAN

Toxicology never checked for cardiac glycosides. But the police will now.

VIVIENNE

(Screaming)

Damian! You can't do this! You'll ruin everything we built!

DAMIAN

(To Marco)

Take her to the study and hold her until Detective Miller arrives. Hand him the ring and the security footage from nineteen nights ago.

Marco steps forward, grabbing Vivienne firmly by the arms. She thrashes violently as he escorts her out through the grand double doors.

[CAMERA ANGLE: WIDE SHOT - THE DINING ROOM]

Damian kneels back down in front of Rosie. He takes the platinum band and gently places it inside the small pocket of her pink pajamas.

DAMIAN

This stays with you now. And you're never leaving this house.

Rosie smiles faintly, wrapping her small arms around his neck. Outside, police sirens wail through the heavy November rain, cutting through the dark Long Island night.