Ten years passed in the city of Dallas, changing everything in its path. Toby was now eighteen years old, tall, strong, and deeply protective of his twelve-year-old sister Lily. They no longer lived in the grand mansion on the hill. After that fateful day on the balcony, their father had sent them away to a modest boarding house on the edge of town, claiming it was for their safety. In truth, Evelyn had convinced Richard that the children were too unstable to live at home. Toby had worked odd jobs after school to buy Lily her clothes and books, never relying on his father's distant wealth.
Toby: Pack your bags, Lily. We are going back today.
Lily: To the big house? Why now, Toby?
Toby: Because Dad is sick, and the lawyer called me directly.
Lily: I don't want to see her again.
Toby: You won't have to be afraid. I am with you.
The lawyer's call had come early that morning with shocking news. Richard's health had failed rapidly over the last few months, and he was now bedridden inside the mansion. More importantly, the family lawyer, Mr. Vance, had secretly contacted Toby. Vance had been a loyal friend to Toby's late biological mother. He revealed that Richard's original estate documents were hidden inside a safe in the old library. Evelyn had been trying to get Richard to sign a final foreclosure deed and trust transfer to her son Julian before the week was over.
Mr. Vance: Toby, you need to get here before four o'clock today.
Toby: Is the original document still inside the house?
Mr. Vance: Yes, behind the framed flag in the study.
Toby: We are on our way right now.
Toby rented a small car and drove straight to the luxury estate. As he pulled up the long driveway, memories of that terrifying morning on the balcony rushed back into his mind. The grand stone house looked imposing, but Toby felt no fear anymore. He was no longer a helpless child hanging onto a ledge. He walked up the front steps with Lily right beside him, his shoulders back and his jaw set firm. He pushed open the heavy wooden front door without knocking, stepping back into the house that had been stolen from them so many years ago.