Mr. Harrison set his heavy leather briefcase down on the solid oak side table.
He clicked open the brass latches with two loud, sharp sounds.
Inside was a small silver tablet device and a sealed yellow envelope.
Victoria: This is an outrage, I am the rightful executor of this estate!
Mr. Harrison: Was the executor, Victoria, until Arthur filed the codicil.
Sarah: What codicil did my husband file?
Mr. Harrison: He transferred full power of attorney to you, Sarah, effective immediately upon his death.
Victoria's face turned pale as all the color drained from her cheeks.
Victoria: That codicil is a forgery! He was on heavy medication!
Mr. Harrison: The document was notarized at the city hospital by three independent witnesses.
Mr. Harrison pressed the play button on the tablet screen calm and steady.
Arthur's clear, deep voice echoed through the high-ceilinged foyer perfectly.
Arthur: If you are watching this, it means Victoria has tried to take control.
Clara gasped softly as she heard her father's beloved voice again.
Clara: Daddy...
Arthur: Victoria, I knew about the offshore accounts you opened behind my back.
Arthur: I also knew you tried to bribe the lab technician to tamper with Clara's test.
Victoria backed up further, her hands shaking as she held the scissors.
Victoria: Turn that off right now! Turn it off!
Arthur: Clara is my biological daughter, and every dollar of my estate goes to her and Sarah.
Arthur: Mr. Harrison has instructions to deliver the forensic accounting report to the district attorney.
Sarah looked at Victoria with newfound strength and total determination.
Sarah: You didn't just try to steal an inheritance, you committed outright felony fraud.
Victoria: He was lying! He framed me because I questioned his business decisions!
Mr. Harrison shook his head slowly with deep disappointment in his eyes.
Mr. Harrison: The police officers are already waiting outside in the driveway, Victoria.
Mr. Harrison: I brought them with me because Arthur asked me to protect his family.
The loud sound of car doors slamming echoed through the open foyer windows.
Two uniform police officers walked briskly through the grand double front doors.
Officer Kelly: Victoria Vance, drop the scissors and step away from the stairs.
Victoria dropped the metallic scissors onto the marble floor with a sharp clang.
Victoria: You are making a huge mistake! I am the head of Vance Industries!
Officer Kelly: You have the right to remain silent, ma'am.
The officers moved in quickly and placed heavy steel handcuffs around her wrists.
Sarah squeezed Clara's hand tightly as they watched Victoria get led away.