The next morning, Richard called his top legal team to his office.
They sat around the long wooden board table reviewing the papers.
The lawyer read through the stolen inheritance documents carefully.
Lawyer: This paper clearly proves extortion and theft of property.
Lawyer: The money left in the trust fund belongs to Isabella's heir.
Richard: Which means everything belongs to Clara now.
Lawyer: Exactly, with accrued interest over twenty years, it is millions.
Richard walked down to the estate kitchen where Clara was working.
She was quietly folding white cloth napkins by the large window.
Richard sat down at the small table across from her.
Richard: Clara, you don't have to work here as a maid anymore.
Clara: What do you mean, Mr. Richard?
Richard: The trust fund your mother was supposed to get is yours.
Richard: My lawyers are transferring all the money to your name today.
Clara dropped the napkin she was holding as her eyes filled with tears.
Clara: Millions? I don't know what to say...
Richard: You don't have to say anything, it was always yours.
Richard: Your mother worked hard to protect you, and now you are safe.
Clara: I wish she was here to see this moment.
Richard: She is watching over you, Clara, I know she is.
Richard handed her a clean handkerchief to wipe her tears.
Richard: I want you to live in the east wing of the house if you wish.
Richard: Or you can buy any home in the city you desire.
Clara: I want to stay here for a while, it feels like home now.
Richard: Then this is your home for as long as you want.