Julian turned through the heavy pages of the property deeds quickly.
The family trust fund held the title to the entire historic estate.
It also controlled three large commercial buildings in downtown Chicago.
Julian: She was planning to sell the entire holding portfolio tomorrow morning.
Sarah: The lawyer was scheduled to arrive at nine o'clock with final papers.
Julian looked down at the forged signature on the bottom line.
The ink was fresh and matched his own handwriting almost perfectly.
Julian: She hired a professional expert to copy my signature on these forms.
Thomas stepped into the room with an anxious look on his face.
Thomas: I genuinely thought these were your instructions, Mr. Sterling.
Julian looked up at the guard with an unyielding expression.
Julian: You worked for my father for fifteen years before me, Thomas.
Thomas: That is why I felt so confused when she showed me the stamp.
Julian: You should have called my private satellite phone line directly.
Thomas: She claimed you were in meetings across different time zones all day.
Sarah took Julian's arm and pointed toward the open hallway outside.
Sarah: Claire is currently upstairs in the main dining hall with her lawyer.
Julian: Why is her lawyer here at ten o'clock at night?
Sarah: They are finalizing the transfer documents before the morning bank opening.
Julian felt his heart beating with steady and cold precision.
Julian: She thought I would be stuck in London until Friday evening.
Lily: Daddy, my coat is still in the grand living room upstairs.
Julian smiled down at his daughter and kissed her soft cheek.
Julian: We will go get your coat right now, my little girl.
He turned to Thomas and spoke in a clear tone of authority.
Julian: Lock the main gates of the estate and block the driveways.
Thomas: Right away, Mr. Sterling.
Julian: Call my corporate attorney and tell him to get here immediately.
Thomas pulled out his radio and began speaking into the handset.
Julian offered his arm to Sarah and lifted Lily into his other arm.
Sarah: Are you ready to confront her in front of her guests?
Julian: She brought this fight into my home while I was away.
They walked out of the dark basement room together as a family.
The cold air of the lower hallway felt different now that they were united.
Julian led them up the stone stairs toward the brightly lit upper floor.