Ethan called his trusted family lawyer Arthur to the mansion estate immediately after noon.
Arthur sat in the wooden library chair while opening a thick leather briefcase.
Victoria paced back and forth near the large fireplace with her arms crossed tightly.
Elena sat quietly on the sofa while clutching the silver locket in her hands.
Ethan: Show me the old employment records from twenty years ago, Arthur.
Arthur: I brought the full estate files from the vault as requested.
Victoria: Arthur, you do not have to obey his every demand today!
Ethan: This is my house and my family trust fund, Victoria.
Arthur pulled out a faded yellow folder marked with the official estate seal.
He turned the yellowed pages carefully until he reached the archived staff list.
Arthur: Isabella Vance was hired as head housekeeper back in summer of two thousand four.
Ethan: And why did her employment end so abruptly back then?
Arthur paused and glanced nervously at Victoria before reading the legal text aloud.
Arthur: The record states she signed a legal separation agreement and surrendered all rights.
Elena: My mother was forced to sign that contract under extreme threat!
Victoria: She signed a legal document, so the matter is completely closed!
Ethan: What kind of threat are you talk about, Elena?
Elena: Victoria's father was the corporate attorney who drew up those cruel papers!
Ethan felt a cold chill run through his chest as the pieces connected.
Victoria's father had managed his family's corporate assets and estate for decades.
Ethan: Is this true, Arthur?
Arthur: Her father's signature is right here on the witness line, Ethan.
Victoria looked away toward the window as her face flushed bright red.
Victoria: My father was just protecting your family name from a foolish scandal!
Ethan: What scandal could a gentle housekeeper possibly create?
Elena pulled a small key out from inside the silver locket frame carefully.
The tiny key shone brightly under the chandelier light hanging from the high ceiling.
She handed the key directly to Ethan with steady determination in her eyes.
Elena: This key opens the old safety deposit box at the city bank.
Ethan took the tiny metal key and knew the absolute truth was near.