Mark walked down the grand marble hallway with a firm expression on his face.
Clara stood quietly at the top of the grand stairs holding Nico safely.
The heavy front doors opened and Eleanor stepped inside wearing an expensive grey coat.
She held a crocodile leather handbag and looked around the mansion like she owned it.
Eleanor: Mark dear, why are your security guards asking me for official identification?
Mark stopped ten feet away from her in the bright center of the room.
Mark: You shouldn't have come here today, Eleanor.
Eleanor scoffed and raised her chin high with cold arrogance in her posture.
Eleanor: I came to discuss the monthly trust fund payout for the newborn baby.
Mark gestured to the lawyer who was stepping out from the library room doors.
Mark: There will be no more payouts to your personal account, Eleanor.
Eleanor's face paled slightly as she noticed the legal files in David's hand.
Eleanor: What kind of ridiculous game are you playing with your family lawyer?
Clara stepped down the first few steps of the grand marble staircase in full view.
The daylight hit her burgundy maid uniform as she held little Nico close to her.
Eleanor looked up at the stairs and her eyes widened in pure, unadulterated shock.
Eleanor: You... how are you in this house working for him?
Clara: I am not working for him anymore, Eleanor. I am home with my family.
Eleanor took a step backward toward the exit doors as fear took over her expression.
Eleanor: This woman is unstable, Mark! She was sent to an institution after the storm!
Mark: You put her there under a fake name to claim the inheritance fund!
David stepped forward and handed Eleanor a formal court injunction notice on paper.
David: You are officially served with criminal fraud and illegal custody placement charges.
Eleanor dropped her expensive handbag onto the white marble floor in total disbelief.
Two police cruisers pulled up outside the large glass doors with blue lights flashing.
The security team opened the double doors to let the officers enter the foyer.
Officer: Eleanor Verucci, you are under arrest for fraud and child endangerment offenses.
Eleanor tried to turn around but the officers quickly handcuffed her arms behind her.
She glared at Clara with burning anger as they led her out to the car.
Eleanor: You will get nothing from this estate! I will fight this in court!
Mark: The fight is already over, Eleanor. Take her away.
The heavy front doors closed behind the police officers as quiet returned to the room.