The heavy front doors of the mansion swung open with a sudden burst.
The loud impact echoed down the tall marble entrance hall.
A stern man in a tailored black suit walked into the house.
Arthur Sterling looked around the room with intense, commanding eyes.
He caught sight of Victoria standing over the weeping maid.
His expression hardened into a look of controlled fury instantly.
Arthur moved across the room with long, powerful strides.
Arthur: Stop! That is enough!
He grabbed Victoria's wrist with a firm and unyielding grip.
The leather strap fell from her fingers and hit the rug.
Victoria looked up at her uncle with complete shock.
Victoria: Uncle Arthur! She stole mother's black necklace!
Arthur did not look at the necklace or at Victoria's dress.
He kept his eyes locked on his young niece with deep anger.
Arthur: You have no right to treat anyone in this house like this!
Victoria: But look at her neck! She is wearing it right now!
Arthur: Get out of this room right now, Victoria.
Victoria: What? You are kicking me out over a servant?
Arthur: I said leave, before I cut your monthly trust allowance off completely.
Victoria stomped her foot in frustration and turned around fast.
Her high heels clicked angrily as she ran up the stairs.
Arthur took a deep breath and let his shoulders drop slightly.
He turned his attention down toward the girl on the floor.
Clara was still shaking, wiping the cold tears from her eyes.
Arthur: Are you alright, Clara?
Clara: I am so sorry, sir. I did not mean to cause trouble.
Arthur offered his hand and helped Clara stand up slowly.
Arthur: You did nothing wrong, child.
He looked closely at the black stone hanging around her neck.
Arthur: She really gave this to you, didn't she?
Clara: Yes, sir. On her final night at the hospital.
Arthur closed his eyes for a second, feeling a wave of grief.
Arthur: My sister knew her time was short.
Clara: She told me to keep it hidden under my collar always.
Arthur: Did she tell you why she gave it to you?
Clara: She said it held the only truth left in this family.
Arthur looked toward the grand staircase where Victoria had vanished.
Arthur: Victoria has been looking for that piece for six months.
Clara: Why is this simple necklace so important to her?
Arthur: Because it is not just a piece of vintage jewelry.
He reached out and gently touched the metal edge of the pendant.
Arthur: It opens the safety deposit box that holds the real will.