Richard walked up the grand staircase without waiting for anyone.
Clara followed behind him while wiping the tears from her red cheeks.
Victoria had no choice but to follow them to protect her story.
They entered the large library on the second floor of the estate.
The room was lined with dark wood shelves and heavy leather books.
Richard walked straight to the brass wall safe behind the mahogany desk.
This safe contained all the old financial records from twenty years ago.
He typed in the combination that his father had given him long ago.
The thick heavy metal door clicked open with a dull sound.
Inside lay stacks of old paper files bound in yellowed string.
Richard pulled out a thick envelope labeled with the name Isabella.
Victoria tried to step forward to grab the folder from his hands.
Victoria: Richard, those are private family papers, stop!
Richard: This is my family's house and my family's history.
He pulled out a signed document dated twenty years prior.
The paper showed that Isabella had been granted a share of the estate.
Richard's father had left her a trust fund for her dedication.
Underneath that document was a second paper signed by Victoria's father.
It was a legal demand forcing Isabella to sign away her rights.
If she refused, they threatened to call the police with fake charges.
Richard read every single line with rising anger in his chest.
Richard: Your father stole her entire inheritance.
Richard: He forced her to sign this under total fear.
Victoria: My father did what was necessary for our business!
Victoria: Isabella was just a servant, she didn't deserve that wealth!
Richard: She was like a mother to me after my parents died!
Clara stood quietly by the doorway as she watched Richard's face.
Clara: My mother lived in a small rental apartment her whole life.
Clara: She worked three jobs just to keep food on our table.
Clara: She never complained, but she kept that locket every single day.
Richard: She should have been living in comfort and peace.
Richard: Your family ruined her life out of sheer greed.