The woman trapped inside the white structure let out a soft cry.
Tears rolled down her pale cheek behind the shattered piece of painted wood.
Her name was Sarah, and she was the rightful owner of the estate.
She had been missing for over three full weeks without any trace.
Julian had told the whole family that Sarah went on an urgent vacation abroad.
He had claimed she gave him total control over her bank accounts and mortgage documents.
Now her frightened face was visible through the hole in the thick box.
Clara: Hold on, Mom! I am going to get you out!
Julian: Step away from that table immediately, Clara!
Julian grabbed Clara by her small shoulder to drag her away.
Her grandfather Arthur stepped up and slammed his hand onto Julian's chest.
Arthur: Take your hands off her right this instant, Julian!
Julian: You do not understand what is going on here, Arthur!
Arthur: I understand that my daughter is trapped in that wooden frame!
Arthur grabbed the wooden hammer out of Clara's hand with determination.
He struck the white panel three times with strong and deliberate blows.
The top board shattered completely and fell to the marble floor below.
Sarah pushed her arms up through the opened top of the hidden compartment.
Her hands were tied with soft cloth straps, but her fingers were free.
Evelyn rushed forward with tears streaming down her old face in shock.
Evelyn: My sweet child, how did you get locked in there?
Sarah: Julian trapped me here to steal my inheritance!
The room exploded into loud shouting and chaotic calls for the police.
Julian backed away slowly toward the large front doors of the mansion.
He reached inside his grey jacket to find his heavy car keys.
Julian: Nobody come any closer to me right now!
Arthur: You will not leave this house today, you liar!
Two security guards hired for the reading of the will stood by the doors.
They quickly blocked the main exit before Julian could open the handle.
Sarah coughed as Arthur helped her lift her body out of the box.
Clara wrapped her arms around her mother's waist and held her tightly.
Clara: I knew you never abandoned me, Mom!
Sarah: I would never leave you alone with him, my sweet girl.