Heavy footsteps echoed from the front porch as the double front doors swung wide open.
An older man in a charcoal suit entered the foyer holding a thick leather briefcase.
Arthur: Good afternoon, Evelyn, I suggest you take a comfortable seat right now.
Arthur Pendelton had served as the chief family attorney for over thirty long years.
Evelyn: Arthur, tell this man to leave my private property immediately!
Arthur: I am afraid this property no longer belongs to you, Evelyn.
Arthur set his heavy briefcase on the polished marble table near the American flag.
He pulled out a thick stack of legal documents stamped with official red wax seals.
Arthur: David Vance altered his life insurance and mansion deed six weeks before his passing.
Evelyn rushed down the remaining steps, her silk skirt rustling loudly against the stairs.
Evelyn: He was not in his right mind when he signed those paper forms!
Arthur: Three independent medical doctors verified his perfect mental health on that exact day.
Maya moved closer to her uncle, taking a tight hold of his strong warm hand.
Maya: Does this mean she cannot take my mother's picture off the wall?
Arthur: She cannot touch a single painting or piece of furniture in this home, Maya.
Evelyn glared at the lawyer with fierce, furious eyes that burned with hatred.
Evelyn: I gave thirty years of my life to building this family business reputation!
Mark: You spent thirty years draining my brother's bank accounts for your own luxury cars.
Mark took a step toward Evelyn, his posture firm and unyielding in the grand hall.
Mark: You even tried to hide the true inheritance papers from Maya's legal guardians.
Evelyn: She is just a little child who knows nothing about managing massive wealth!
Mark: That is why my brother appointed me as her legal trustee until she turns twenty-one.
Evelyn turned toward the front door, her breath coming in quick, shallow gasps.
Evelyn: I will contest this invalid will in court tomorrow morning!
Arthur: You are welcome to try, Evelyn, but the court evidence against you is absolute.