The family attorney's office was situated inside a towering glass skyscraper in downtown Chicago.
Arthur Vance sat behind a massive mahogany desk stacked high with legal files and property deeds.
He had represented Richard's family for over thirty years through every major milestone.
Arthur: Everything in this updated will ensures Maya receives the full inheritance upon turning twenty-one.
Richard: And what happens regarding Victoria's monthly allowance if something happens to me?
Arthur: She receives a comfortable stipend, but she cannot touch the core principal of the trust.
Richard leaned back in his leather armchair and rubbed his tired eyes softly.
Richard: She has been pressing me to add her name directly to the main bank accounts.
Arthur: I strongly advise against altering the prenuptial agreement or the trust structure right now.
Richard: Do you suspect something is wrong with her intentions, Arthur?
Arthur: A divorce lawyer always looks at human nature with a extra degree of caution, Richard.
The older attorney leaned forward and slid a thin blue folder across the polished table.
Arthur: Victoria filed two substantial debt relief applications right before your wedding day.
Richard stared down at the documents, his heart skipping an anxious beat.
Richard: She told me she was entirely debt-free when we met.
Arthur: These records show over three hundred thousand dollars owed to foreign private creditors.
Richard's hands began to tremble as he read through the official financial statements line by line.
Richard: Why did she keep such a massive financial burden hidden from me all this time?
Arthur: A person with high hidden debts can become desperate when large sums of money are involved.
Richard: I need to head back to the mansion right away and address this directly.
Arthur: Keep your composure, Richard, and do not make any sudden accusations without clear evidence.
Richard rushed out of the law building with his mind racing in total turmoil.
He boarded the elevator and quickly pressed the button for the underground parking garage.
Every word Victoria had ever spoken about money now sounded completely different to his ears.
He started his car and sped through the city streets toward his quiet gated neighborhood.
He needed to find out the complete truth about his wife before another hour passed.