Victoria: An encrypted server? That server was wiped when the corporate IT department migrated systems last week!
Liam: The corporate IT department doesn't control my private backup server, Victoria. I built it myself when I was twenty-one.
Victoria: You're bluffing!
Liam: Try me. Marcus, did you make the call to the police?
Marcus: Patrol units are en route right now, Mr. Sterling. They'll be at the front security gates in five minutes.
Victoria: Marcus, you idiot! You just ruined your career!
Marcus: My career can survive a lost contract, Mrs. Sterling. It cannot survive hiding a false imprisonment case involving a baby.
The front doorbell chimed loudly through the house. Heavy steps echoed down the entryway as a tall man in a charcoal suit walked into the kitchen carrying a black leather briefcase.
Arthur: Good afternoon, everyone. I hope I'm not interrupting the party preparations.
Victoria: Arthur Vance! What are you doing in my house?! I fired you three days ago!
Arthur: You attempted to fire me, Victoria. However, under section four of the Sterling Family Trust, the lead legal counsel can only be dismissed by a unanimous vote of all living direct heirs.
Liam: And I certainly didn't sign off on firing you, Arthur.
Arthur: Indeed you didn't, Liam. In fact, I received your automated server alert the moment your flight landed at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport.
Victoria: Server alert? What server alert?!
Arthur: Whenever an unauthorized attempt is made to alter the beneficiary structure of the trust, my firm receives an instant digital flag accompanied by security footage from the library desk.
Maya let out a soft gasp, leaning against Liam's side as hope returned to her eyes.
Maya: Security footage? There's a camera inside the library desk?
Arthur: Hidden inside the brass clock on the mantle, Mrs. Sterling. Installed by Liam's late father ten years ago to prevent internal embezzlement.
Victoria took a step back, her hand clutching the edge of the dining table as her arrogant expression vanished completely.
Victoria: That camera was disconnected during the remodeling project last year!
Arthur: The main power feed was cut, yes. But the battery backup system operates independently for up to thirty-six months. We have high-definition video of you and Doctor Harrison forging your late husband's signature on three separate documents.