Adrian reached down and picked up the small crying toddler.
He held Lily safely against his shoulder to calm her down.
He looked directly into Victoria's eyes with a stern expression.
Adrian: Is what this child is saying true, Victoria?
Victoria: Of course not, she is making up silly stories!
Lily: No! She put a big black folder in the vent!
Lily pointed her tiny yellow glove toward the low desk vent.
Victoria's face turned completely pale as she stepped backward slowly.
Her hands began to shake as she tried to stay calm.
Victoria: She does not know what she is talking about, Adrian.
Adrian: Then you will not mind if I check the vent.
Victoria: This is ridiculous, you are listening to a toddler!
Adrian set Lily down gently near the safe open doorway.
He walked across the room toward the heavy wooden desk area.
Victoria rushed forward to block his path across the room.
Victoria: Adrian, please, just let the maid clean this up!
Adrian: Move out of my way right now, Victoria.
His voice was low and serious, showing no patience left.
Victoria stood frozen as Adrian knelt down near the floor.
He looked at the polished metal brass grate under the cabinet.
It was loose and had fresh scratches around its metallic edges.
He reached out and lifted the heavy cover off the floor.
Inside the dark air vent lay a thick leather folder bag.
Adrian reached inside the floor space and pulled it out.
He stood up and blew dust off the black leather exterior.
Victoria took a quick step back toward the library exit door.
Adrian: What is inside this folder, Victoria?
Victoria: It is just private financial papers from my past.
Adrian: Why would you hide private papers under my floor?
He opened the folder latch and began scanning the documents inside.
His face grew cold as he read the names on top.
The papers contained forged land deeds and fake bank accounts.
They showed plans to transfer his estate into her own name.
There were also legal papers regarding his late wife's estate trust.
Victoria had been quietly stealing money from his accounts for months.
Adrian: You have been stealing from my family this whole time.
Victoria: Adrian, I can explain everything if you just listen!
Adrian: Do not take another step toward me, Victoria.