Elena backed away from the railing as Julian reached the top landing, his face tight with anger.
She pressed her back against the wall, trying to summon a look of innocent distress and worry.
Julian stood inches away from her, his stern shadow looming over her beige designer gown.
He held out his right hand, demanding the contents of her coat pocket without saying a single word.
Julian: Hand over whatever you took from the library cabinet right now.
Elena: I don't have anything in my pockets, Julian, I swear to you!
Julian: Do not lie to me in my own home ever again.
Elena: You are letting your imagination run wild because of a clumsy maid!
Julian: Reach into your pocket and empty it onto this floor immediately.
Elena hesitated, her eyes darting toward the open hallway that led to the private master suite.
She reached into her small pocket and pulled out a small brass key alongside folded legal papers.
Julian snatched the documents from her hand, unfolding them quickly to read the official letterhead signature.
The papers were private bank trust records regarding his family's million-dollar charitable foundation fund.
Elena had been trying to access the private estate vault while he was out attending court sessions.
Julian: You were planning to transfer the property title behind my back.
Elena: It was for our future, Julian! We were supposed to share everything!
Julian: You married me just to steal my family estate and liquid assets!
Elena: That is not true! I loved you from the very first day!
Julian laughed bitterly, shaking his head in deep disappointment as he folded the legal papers back up.
He looked at the woman he thought he knew, realizing her whole life had been a masterclass in deception.
Maria walked up the first few steps, placing the secure glass vase onto a sturdy wooden pedestal safely.
Maria: Should I call the estate security team to assist you, Mr. Julian?
Julian: Yes, Maria. Have them meet us in the front foyer right away.
Elena: You cannot treat me like a common criminal in this house!