The foyer became dead silent as Richard stared at Clara in absolute disbelief.
Richard: What are you talking about, Clara? That is impossible!
Clara: He contacted me six months ago with debts from his failed businesses.
Arthur adjusted his glasses, looking between Richard and Clara with great concern.
Arthur: If David is alive, the entire inheritance structure changes legal priority.
Clara pulled a small black smartphone from her dress pocket and unlocked it.
She handed the phone directly to Richard with her trembling right hand.
On the screen were dozens of threatening text messages sent from an unknown number.
The messages demanded half of the estate's total value before the end of the month.
Richard: Why did you keep this terrible secret from me for so long?
Clara: I was afraid you would lose everything if the press found out!
Richard: We are a family, Clara, you should have trusted me from the start!
Clara looked down at the marble floor, wiping a tear from her cheek.
Clara: I made a terrible mistake trying to handle this dangerous situation alone.
Arthur: We must contact the authorities immediately regarding these illegal threats.