Julian pulled a folded leather document from his inner pocket and threw it onto the glass table beside Evelyn. The gold seal of the city court shone brightly under the chandelier lights for everyone to see. It was the official marriage certificate alongside the real estate deed for the Vanguard estate, bearing Clara's full legal name.
The guests leaned forward, gasping as they recognized the official seals and stamps on the legal paper. Evelyn reached out with shaking fingers to pick up the paper, her eyes scanning the lines of black ink frantically. Her breath hitched in her throat as she saw Clara's signature right next to Julian's name.
Evelyn: No... this cannot be real! You tricked us all!
Julian: I signed everything over to her three months ago.
Julian stepped forward, standing tall between Evelyn and his wife. He explained to the entire room how he had placed all his personal wealth, the mansion, and his company shares into a private trust fund in Clara's name. He did this to protect his estate from greedy family members who tried to steal his late father's legacy through fake lawsuits.
Clara stood beside him, holding his arm tightly as she felt her strength coming back. She was no longer just a helpless girl in a maid uniform; she was the rightful lady of the house. The guests who had laughed at her earlier now looked down at the floor in shame and fear, terrified of losing their business connections with the Vanguard empire.
Clara: I never wanted your money, Evelyn. I only wanted respect.
Evelyn: You dirty liar! You planned this whole thing to embarrass me!
Julian: Shut your mouth before I have you arrested for assault!
Julian's voice was sharp like a whip, cutting off Evelyn's angry words instantly. He motioned to the head security guard standing near the entrance doors, who immediately walked over with two uniformed officers. Evelyn backed away into the crowd, but nobody offered to hide her or help her escape.
Evelyn realized her position was completely gone; she had no money of her own without Julian's father's trust fund approval. She had spent years living off the family allowance, and now Clara held the master key to every single dollar. Panic filled her heart as she looked into Julian's angry face.
Julian: You humiliated my wife. Now get out before I ruin everything you own.