Clara took one tiny, unsteady step out onto the polished hardwood floor.
Her blonde hair was matted, and her thin body was shaking from severe weakness.
Tears carved clean lines through the heavy dust coating her pale cheeks.
Clara: What year is it? I thought I was dead in there...
Julian dropped the heavy sledgehammer onto the floor with a loud metallic crash.
He looked at Clara's face, completely overwhelmed by shock and deep pain.
Six years ago, his mother had told him Clara died in a tragic car accident.
Evelyn had even arranged a closed-casket funeral while Julian was recovering in the hospital.
Julian turned around slowly to face his mother, his expression filled with intense betrayal.
Julian: You told me my wife died six years ago!
Evelyn: She was a commoner who was going to ruin your inheritance, Julian!
Julian: You locked a human being behind a wall for six years to keep money?
Evelyn: I did what was necessary to protect our family estate and reputation!
Julian stepped forward, his eyes burning with pure rage toward his own mother.
Julian: You are a monster, Mother!
Evelyn backed away until her hands pressed against the cold brass hallway railing.
Evelyn: Do not speak to me like that after everything I built for you!
Julian: You destroyed my entire life for a family fortune!
Julian turned his back on his mother and stepped toward his weak, traumatized wife.
He wrapped his strong arms tightly around Clara, pulling her close to his chest.
Clara buried her tear-streaked face into his tuxedo jacket, sobbing with massive relief.
Julian held her securely while looking up at the large American flag on the wall.
He realized his whole upper-class life had been built on top of a horrifying lie.
Julian: I am so sorry, Clara, I am so sorry I did not find you sooner.
Clara: She forced me in there when you were in your coma...
Julian pulled back slightly to look into his wife's frightened blue eyes.
Julian: Nobody will ever hurt you again, I swear it on my life.
Evelyn watched them with cold, calculated eyes, adjusting her designer diamond necklace.
Evelyn: If this gets out, the police will take every asset we own.
Julian: The police are the next call I am making, Mother.