The heavy oak doors at the entrance opened with a loud sound.
Arthur Sterling stepped into the hall wearing a tailored grey business suit.
He carried a dark leather briefcase and moved with quiet authority.
Behind him walked two senior corporate lawyers from the city office.
Arthur stopped immediately when he saw the crying maid and security guards.
Arthur: What is going on in my house right now?
Victoria: Arthur, thank goodness you are finally home!
Victoria: We caught this maid stealing my diamond family necklace!
Arthur looked from Victoria to Clara with a calm and sharp eye.
He saw Clara shaking in fear with tears on her face.
He knew Clara had worked for his late father for three years.
She had always been honest, polite, and deeply devoted to her duties.
Arthur: Is this true, Clara?
Clara: No, Mr. Arthur, I swear I never touched her necklace!
Clara: I found it in my bag, but I did not put it there!
Victoria: Her story makes no sense, Arthur, the proof is right here!
Victoria held up the diamond necklace for everyone to see clearly.
Arthur raised his hand to quiet his stepmother immediately.
Arthur: Put the bag down on the table, Marcus.
Marcus: Yes, sir, right away.
Arthur walked slowly toward the table where the travel bag rested.
He looked closely at the bag and then at Victoria's face.
He noticed that Victoria seemed overly eager to call the police.
He also knew Victoria was desperate to secure her inheritance money today.
Arthur: We will not call the police just yet.
Victoria: Why not? The thief is caught red-handed right in front of us!
Arthur: Because I prefer to review all facts before making decisions.
Arthur turned toward the security console mounted on the side wall.
The estate was equipped with modern clear security cameras everywhere.
Every corner of the grand hall was monitored twenty-four hours a day.
Arthur: Marcus, bring up the hallway footage from the last hour.
Victoria: That is completely unnecessary, Arthur!
Arthur: It is standard procedure for any incident on this estate.
Victoria's hands began to tremble slightly under her dark silk sleeves.
She had forgotten about the newly installed security cameras on the ceiling.
Clara looked up with a tiny spark of hope in her tearful eyes.
The truth was about to be put on display for everyone.