The bright sun shone through the massive glass windows of the grand estate high up on the coastal hills.
Clara sat quietly on the soft velvet armchair in the main hallway.
She held a warm mug of tea with both hands to keep her fingers steady.
The house was completely silent except for the faint ticking of the grandfather clock in the corner.
She had lived in this house for over five long years as the personal assistant to Arthur Vance.
Arthur had been a kind man who treated her like his own daughter.
When he passed away two weeks ago, the entire estate felt cold and empty.
Clara looked up at the large American flag hanging proudly on the tall white wall.
Arthur had served his country proudly before building his fortune in real estate.
He always told Clara that true strength came from standing up for what was right.
Suddenly, the heavy front double doors burst open with a loud metallic thud.
The cold wind rushed into the heated hallway.
Julian Vance stepped inside with long, aggressive strides.
He was Arthur's estranged son who had moved away to Europe seven years ago after a bitter fight.
Julian wore an expensive black coat and held a thick leather folder in his right hand.
Behind him stood three private security guards in dark suits.
Beside Julian walked a massive black dog with sharp muscle tone and a heavy silver collar.
The dog was a purebred attack dog named Titan that Julian had bought years ago.
Clara did not flinch as the men filled the bright marble entryway.
She carefully placed her tea mug down on the glass side table.
Julian stopped directly in front of her armchair with his boots clicking sharply on the floor.
He looked down at her with cold eyes that matched his dark trench coat.
Julian: Move out of this house right now.
Clara looked straight into his dark eyes without blinking.
She remembered the promise she made to Arthur on his final night in the hospital.
Clara: No.
Julian stared at her in total shock for a brief second.
A thick vein bulged slightly on his temple as his jaw tightened.
He had spent two weeks talking to high-priced probate lawyers to secure his father's estate.
He expected an easy takeover of the forty-million-dollar property.
He did not expect a young woman in a silk robe to stand in his way.
Julian: You are a hired employee who has overstayed her welcome.
Clara: This house does not belong to you yet, Julian.
Julian: I am his only biological son and legal heir.
Clara: That is for the probate court and the family lawyer to decide next week.
Julian snapped his fingers in frustration toward his security team.
The guards stepped forward but kept a respectful distance.
Julian reached down and unclipped the leather leash from Titan's heavy collar.
He pointed his index finger sharply at Clara's feet.
Julian: Titan... Come.