David and Ethan used their hands to tear away the remaining wooden boards.
They carefully pulled Sarah out of the narrow space into the bright room.
David quickly peeled the thick tape away from Sarah's pale face.
Sarah gasped for air and wrapped her arms tightly around young Ethan.
Sarah: Ethan... my brave baby boy!
Ethan: I heard your tapping, Mom!
Sarah: I knew you would listen for me.
David reached out to touch Sarah's shoulder, but she pulled away quickly.
She looked up at David with fear and deep hurt in her eyes.
Sarah: You trusted her over your own family, David.
David: What are you talking about, Sarah?
Sarah: Victoria locked me in the hidden cellar room downstairs weeks ago.
Sarah: She wanted your money, your estate, and your entire life.
The guests gasped loudly as the truth came out in the open.
Victoria stood near the door, guarded by two strong dinner guests.
Victoria: She is lying to all of you!
Victoria: She came back to steal money from the family business!
Sarah pointed a trembling finger directly at the dressed-up stepmother.
Sarah: She forged the divorce papers and made you think I left.
Sarah: Then she moved me into the wall cavity when guests came today.
David turned his head slowly to look at Victoria with growing rage.
He realized how blind he had been to her endless lies.
He had signed away control of his bank accounts and house deeds.
Victoria had planned to inherit everything once Sarah was gone forever.
David: You ruined our lives for money.