The local courthouse was quiet as the morning sun rose bright.
Arthur sat at the long wooden table beside Clara.
Clara wore a neat blue dress instead of her maid uniform.
Victoria sat across the aisle with her expensive defense lawyer.
She kept glaring at Clara, crossing her arms tightly.
The judge walked into the courtroom and took his high seat.
Judge: We are here to finalize the estate of Eleanor Sterling.
Victoria's lawyer stood up immediately with a confident smile.
Lawyer: Your Honor, my client is the only living child of the deceased.
Judge: I have the preliminary filings here, council.
Lawyer: We request full control of the property and trust fund today.
Arthur stood up calmly and raised his hand toward the bench.
Arthur: Your Honor, we have new evidence to submit today.
Arthur walked forward and placed a small metal box on the desk.
He held up the tiny key that had been inside the necklace.
Arthur: This key was retrieved from the deceased's private bank box yesterday.
The judge opened the box and pulled out a stamped envelope.
He put on his glasses and read the contents in silence.
Victoria shifted nervously in her chair, gripping her handbag.
The judge looked up from the papers with a grave expression.
Judge: This document is fully notarized and completely legal.
Victoria: What does it say? Tell him it is fake, lawyer!
Judge: Silence in the courtroom, Miss Sterling!
The judge cleared his throat and looked down at Victoria.
Judge: The deceased left the mansion to a trust for community use.
Victoria gasped loudly and stood up straight from her chair.
Victoria: What? She gave away my childhood home?
Judge: And she appointed Clara Davis as the main trust director.
Clara covered her mouth with her hands as tears filled her eyes.
Victoria: You gave everything to my maid? This is insane!
Judge: Miss Sterling, you are awarded a small monthly stipend only.
Victoria: I am her daughter! I deserve the whole estate!
Judge: If you cause a disruption, I will hold you in contempt.