The heavy white wooden doors swung open slowly into the bright private study.
Lucas walked into the room first while the two women followed close behind.
The room was filled with old wooden furniture and bright afternoon sunlight rays.
In the center of the room sat the grand dark mahogany trunk.
The silver lock on the trunk was already opened and lying on top.
Lucas stopped completely dead in his tracks as he saw the open lock.
Someone had already been inside the secret family trunk earlier this morning.
He turned around quickly to look at both Hannah and his aunt Margarethe.
Margarethe stepped forward quickly with an unexpected look of absolute surprise.
Her calm face suddenly turned pale as she saw the opened metal box.
Lucas: Who opened this trunk before we came into the room?
Margarethe: She must have used another key earlier today, Lucas!
Hannah: I never had a second key to that old box!
Margarethe: You were the only person in this wing all morning!
Lucas walked up to the mahogany trunk and lifted the heavy lid.
Inside the box lay several yellow paper files and an old leather journal.
Right on top of the legal papers sat a white sealed envelope.
The letter had his father's private seal stamped clearly on the red wax.
Lucas picked up the letter with hands that could not stop shaking now.
He recognized his mother's neat cursive handwriting written across the front page.
The envelope was addressed directly to him and his future wedded wife.
Lucas tore open the paper edge carefully while the room stayed completely silent.
Margarethe took a small step backward toward the open room doorway slowly.
Hannah noticed her movement and stepped into the doorway to block her exit.
Hannah: You are not leaving until he reads every single word!
Margarethe: Out of my way, you penniless little gold digger!
Lucas: Both of you quiet down right now and listen to this!
Lucas began reading the handwritten letter out loud to the entire room.
The words spoke about the family estate and the true ownership of everything.
His mother had written the letter just days before her tragic passing years ago.
She explained that the family trust was never meant for Margarethe to control.
The business was left entirely to Lucas and his future wife equally.
Furthermore, the letter mentioned a hidden bank account created for his bride.
Lucas paused as he read the unbelievable names listed on the legal paper.
His mother had known Hannah's family long before Lucas ever met her online.
The truth was far bigger than anyone in the room had imagined.