Julian stood up slowly, pushing his wife and son safely behind his back.
His face was red with pure rage, his chest rising and falling fast.
Julian: Shut up! Don't you dare utter another single word, mother!
Victoria: She is a liar, Julian! She wanted our money and power!
Evelyn leaned heavily against Clara, her voice trembling but surprisingly firm now.
Evelyn: She locked me down there... on our wedding morning, Julian.
The entire room went completely quiet as the guards looked at each other.
Evelyn wiped a cold tear from her cheek and pointed straight at Victoria.
Evelyn: She said I was not worthy of the family inheritance and estate.
Evelyn: She made me sign fake departure letters at gunpoint in her office.
Evelyn: Then her private driver locked me in this soundproof panic room subterranean vault.
Evelyn: She sent down meager food and water through a narrow chute twice weekly.
Evelyn: She told me I would die down there while you forgot me.
Julian looked at his mother, his jaw tight with unbelievable, deep shock.
Julian: You kept my wife trapped like an animal under our feet?
Victoria: I did it to protect our company and our bloodline, Julian!
Victoria: She was a common schoolteacher with zero background or fortune!
Victoria: Our family estate and assets would have been ruined by her!
Julian turned directly toward his two trusted corporate security guards near the door.
Julian: Arrest her now. Do not let her leave this room under any circumstances.
The two guards hesitated for a split second, then moved quickly toward Victoria.
They grabbed her arms firmly, pinning her wrists behind her satin dress.
Victoria: Let go of me! I am the head of this entire estate!