Julian sat at Clara's grand mahogany desk inside the study.
He had already signed the bank wire transfer documents online.
He was moving five million dollars to an offshore account.
Elena messaged him that her getaway car was waiting nearby.
He packed his laptop into his black leather shoulder bag.
Detective Marcus knocked lightly on the open wooden door frame.
Marcus: Mr. Vance, we found her bridal veil downstairs.
Julian: Oh dear God, is there any news about her body?
Marcus: The search team is still scanning the coast area.
Julian: I cannot stay in this house filled with sad memories.
Marcus: You need to sign a statement before you leave town.
Julian nodded quickly and reached for his silver pen.
He wanted to complete the paperwork and leave for good.
He walked down the spiral stairs behind the quiet detective.
The living room doors opened slowly from the front porch.
A young woman walked into the room wearing casual clothes.
It was Elena pretending to be an anxious estate secretary.
Elena: Julian! I heard the terrible news on the radio!
Julian: Elena, it is so awful, she is gone completely!
Elena hugged him tightly while looking at the detective carefully.
Marcus watched their interaction with a sharp calm gaze.
He noticed Elena was carrying two passports in her purse.
He received a quiet text message on his police phone.
The message confirmed Clara was alive and talking to officers.
Marcus kept his face completely expressionless in front of them.
Marcus: We need both of your identifications for the record.
Elena: I am just her private secretary, Officer.
Marcus: Just standard procedure for everyone present today.
Julian handed over his driver's license with a calm smile.
He felt confident that his secret plan worked out perfectly.
He did not know that Clara was already outside the house.
She stepped out of a black police van onto driveway.
She wore dry clothes supplied by the medical emergency team.
Her face was pale, but her steps were steady and strong.
She walked up the front steps toward the living room.
Two armed officers followed right behind her close steps.
Julian heard the front door handle turn open slowly sound.
He turned around expecting to see another police deputy enter.
His jaw dropped open when he saw Clara standing there.
Julian: You... how are you alive right now?
Clara: Did you really think the sea would keep me?