The heavy tires of Marcus's car crunched against the gravel driveway.
The black double doors slammed open with a loud thud.
Marcus rushed into the bright white corridor with a worried face.
He carried his briefcase in one hand and looked around quickly.
Marcus: Elena! What happened? Is Leo alright?
Elena: Leo is safe in his room, Mr. Marcus.
Evelyn: Marcus! Thank goodness you are finally back home!
Evelyn hurried down the stairs with a false look of relief.
Evelyn: Elena has been acting completely out of control today.
Marcus: What are you talking about, Evelyn?
Evelyn: I caught her stealing cash from your private study safe!
Elena remained completely calm and did not blink once.
She looked directly into Marcus's tired eyes with complete honesty.
Elena: That is a complete lie, Mr. Marcus.
Evelyn: Look at her apron pockets! Search her right now!
Elena: I do not have your cash, Evelyn, but I have something better.
Elena pulled out her phone and hit the main play button.
The recording began to play loudly through the high-ceiling hallway.
Evelyn's sharp voice echoed off the white walls and marble floors.
Evelyn's Voice: Marcus is weak and blinded by grief!
Evelyn's Voice: In a few months, I will own half this estate!
Marcus froze in place as the audio played without stopping.
His face turned red with deep shock and growing anger.
He looked from the phone directly over to Evelyn's pale face.
Marcus: Is this what you think of me and my family?
Evelyn: Marcus, please! That audio is fake and altered!
Elena: It is not fake, and Thomas has the security video files too.
Thomas walked in through the side garden door with the drive.
He handed the flash drive directly into Marcus's open hand.
Thomas: Everything she did is saved right here, sir.
Marcus: Evelyn, step away from my staircase right now.
Evelyn: You cannot throw me out over a simple misunderstanding!
Marcus: This is not a misunderstanding; this is betrayal!
Marcus stepped closer to Evelyn with intense, controlled anger.
His hands unclenched slowly as he stood at his full height.
Marcus: Get out of my house before I ruin your life.
Evelyn: You need me to run this estate, Marcus!
Marcus: I need you out of my sight forever!
Evelyn backed up against the wall beneath the American flag painting.
She realized that her long game of lies was finally over.