Julian backed up against the heavy mahogany desk with his chest heaving fast.
He looked at his security guards who were now stepping back toward the doorway.
Julian: You two are paid by my firm to secure this building!
Guard Leader: Sir, our contract says we cannot break state probate laws.
Julian: I am paying your double overtime rates today!
Guard Leader: We are leaving until your lawyers clear the legal ownership rights.
The security team turned around and walked out through the grand entrance hall.
The heavy front doors clicked shut, leaving Julian alone with Clara and Titan.
Titan let out a low rumble from deep inside his chest as he stepped between them.
Julian looked down at the dog he had bought as an intimidating status symbol.
Julian: Titan, command word... Guard!
The dog did not move an inch toward Clara.
It shifted its body slightly to block Julian from stepping any closer to her.
Clara: He knows who protects this home, Julian.
Julian: I paid twenty thousand dollars for that dog in Germany!
Clara: You left him locked in a outdoor kennel for six months without visiting.
Julian leaned forward against the desk as tears of frustration welled in his eyes.
He had spent years building an image of ultimate corporate power and wealth.
In less than twenty minutes, a former assistant had stripped away his control.
Julian: My father promised me this house when I was a young child.
Clara: He promised it to a son who respected hard work and honesty.
Julian: You stole my entire life work away from me!
Clara: You ruined your own life when you chose greed over your family.
Julian slowly sank down into the leather office chair behind the desk.
He put his face in both hands as the true weight of his situation hit him.
He had heavy mortgage debts on his luxury penthouse in New York City.
He had relied entirely on his father's sudden death to pay off his lenders.
Julian: What do you want from me, Clara?
Clara: I want you to respect Arthur's final wishes.