The thick iron gates surrounding the estate slammed shut as the security team activated the automated lockdown protocol.
Richard helped Clara sit down on a soft velvet sofa in the middle of the bright morning room upstairs.
Lily ran over and wrapped her small arms around her aunt's waist in a tight, silent hug.
Footsteps echoed sharply down the grand hallway as Evelyn Vance hurried into the room with a puzzled expression.
She wore a tailored gray suit and carried a dark leather briefcase under her arm.
Evelyn: Richard, why are the security gates closed?
Evelyn froze in her tracks as her eyes met Clara sitting on the sofa.
The color drained from her face, and her hand tightened around the handle of her leather briefcase.
Richard: Look at her, Evelyn.
Evelyn: This... this is impossible.
Richard: You locked my sister beneath our feet for three months!
Evelyn: I don't know what you are talking about.
Clara: You brought me food twice a week through the wall slot, Evelyn.
Clara: You told me Richard signed over my share of the inheritance to you.
Richard took a slow step toward his stepmother, his jaw clenched tightly with intense anger.
Richard: You forged the legal power of attorney documents.
Evelyn: She is lying to you, Richard!
Richard: Open that briefcase right now.
Evelyn took a hasty step back toward the open archway, but two large security guards blocked her path instantly.
She realized in a single second that her carefully constructed plan was completely falling apart.
The truth behind three months of cold deceit was finally standing in the bright sunlight of the grand foyer.