The quiet study erupted into chaotic shouting as Victoria rushed into the room, her eyes wide with desperation as she tried to grab the steel briefcase from Marcus's hands.
Victoria: Julian, shut your mouth! Don't say another word!
Arthur: So it was both of you. My wife and my stepson.
Victoria: Arthur, listen to me! He's young, he was manipulated! I had nothing to do with this!
Julian: You had nothing to do with it? You were the one who hired the lawyer to draft the fake power of attorney, Mom!
Victoria: You ungrateful little brat!
Victoria raised her hand and slapped Julian hard across the face, the sound echoing off the wood-paneled walls of the study. Julian stumbled back against the desk, clutching his red cheek in utter disbelief.
Julian: You threw me under the bus just like that?
Victoria: You ruined everything because you couldn't keep your mouth shut!
Arthur: Enough!
Arthur's deep voice boomed through the room, cutting off their fighting instantly. He stood towering over them, a look of profound betrayal etched across his face.
Arthur: Ten years I gave you both luxury. I gave you access to my fortune, my home, my name. And you were planning to poison my daily heart medication?
Victoria: It wasn't poison, Arthur! It was just a blocker to make it look like a natural stroke! You wouldn't have suffered!
Elena: You monster...
Victoria: Shut up, you insignificant maid! You ruined a fifty-million-dollar inheritance!
Arthur: Marcus, call the Dallas Police Department. Tell the chief of police personally that I am pressing charges for attempted murder, conspiracy, and grand larceny.
Marcus: Right away, sir. Squad cars are already five minutes out.
Julian: Arthur, please! I'll tell you where her secret offshore accounts are! I'll give you everything! Just don't send me to prison!
Arthur: You can tell the prosecutors all about her accounts, Julian. Maybe they'll give you a lighter sentence.
Victoria sank into a leather armchair, her face buried in her hands as her composure completely dissolved into hysterical sobs. The glittering red dress now looked like a cruel mockery of her former status.
Arthur walked over to Elena, his hands resting in his pockets as he looked at the young woman who had saved his life.
Arthur: Where is your brother right now, Elena?
Elena: I don't know, Mr. Sterling. Julian's men took him when he threatened to expose the bugging device.
Arthur turned his stern gaze back onto Julian, stepping directly into his line of sight.
Arthur: Where is her brother, Julian? Speak right now, or I swear to God you will never see daylight again.
Julian: He's... he's at the warehouse near the industrial docks. They're keeping him locked in the office unit.
Arthur: Marcus, send four security units to that warehouse immediately. Bring her brother back safely.
Marcus: On it, sir.
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