My husband’s mistress slapped my 5yo daughter ten times in a row, while he just stood by and watched coldly.

The arrest was swift, brutal, and broadcast live to millions of viewers on national news networks that had been live-streaming the gala.

Steel handcuffs clicked tightly around David’s wrists. He thrashed and wept, his thousand-dollar suit rumpled, his polished hair falling messy over his face as two federal agents dragged him toward the exit.

“Catherine! Save me!” David shrieked, tears and sweat smearing his face as he looked back at his wife. “I’m Lily’s father! You can't let them take me! Think of our daughter!”

Catherine looked at him without a single flicker of emotion in her eyes. “My daughter has no father. She only has a mother who will protect her forever.”

Beside him, Chloe was being lifted from the floor by two female officers. She kicked and screamed, cursing at David with pure hatred.

“You ruined my life, David!” Chloe screamed, her voice cracking hysterically. “You told me your wife was a nobody! You told me you owned millions! You’re a broke, pathetic fraud!”

“Shut up, you gold-digging whore!” Martha shrieked from her own handcuffs as she was led away, her high-society mask completely destroyed, revealing the ugly, bitter hag beneath.

As the three of them were marched out through the crowd of New York’s elite, guests openly jeered, sneered, and spat on the carpet near their feet.

While the police transport vehicles pulled away outside, Arthur stepped up to Catherine’s side with a tablet terminal.

“Madam,” Arthur reported smoothly, “Thorne Group’s stock has just dropped to $0.02 in after-hours trading. The SEC has halted trading permanently. Chase Manhattan has initiated immediate asset foreclosure on the Thorne mansion, David’s vehicles, and all family trusts. By tomorrow morning, the Thorne name will be completely wiped from the financial world.”

Harrison Sterling walked up to Catherine, gently placing his hand on his daughter’s shoulder while Lily rested comfortably against his arm.

“You bore six years of pain for a dream that wasn't worthy of you, Catherine,” Harrison said, his voice filled with deep, fatherly warmth and pride. “Now, it is time to come home.”