The heavy rain slowed to a light drizzle as a dark black car pulled up.
Arthur walked up the grand stone steps carrying a sleek leather briefcase under his arm.
He adjusted his expensive tie and smiled smoothly as the heavy front door swung open.
Margarethe stood in the grand entryway wearing her formal dark green silk dress as usual.
She kept her face completely calm and cold, revealing none of her inner rage inside.
Arthur: Good afternoon, Margarethe, I hope the terrible storm did not bother you today.
Margarethe: It was a very eventful afternoon, Arthur, more than you could possibly imagine.
Arthur: Well, I brought the final paperwork for the estate transfer as we discussed earlier.
Margarethe: Ah yes, the trust fund management documents that transfer total control to your board.
Arthur: It is the safest choice for your legacy, considering you have no surviving heirs left.
Margarethe led him into the main library where two large chairs faced the grand fireplace.
She gestured for him to sit down at the wide wooden desk near the corner window.
Arthur opened his briefcase with a quick metallic click and pulled out several heavy stacks.
Arthur: Just sign right here on the line, and I will take care of everything else.
Margarethe: Before I sign, Arthur, tell me again about my daughter Sarah's tragic passing.
Arthur paused for a brief second, a subtle flash of annoyance crossing his sharp face.
Arthur: We went over this, she moved away and wanted nothing to do with your wealth.
Margarethe: And you are absolutely certain she never tried to write back to me once?
Arthur: Absolutely certain, she was ungrateful and ignored every letter I sent on your behalf.
Margarethe: That is very strange, Arthur, because I have someone here who says otherwise today.
Margarethe turned around and nodded toward the heavy wooden door of the side study room.
The door opened quietly and little Lily stepped out into the bright library light slowly.
She was holding the gold locket tightly in her right hand as she walked forward.
Arthur's face turned completely pale as his eyes locked onto the small child standing there.
Arthur: Who is this child and why is she interrupting our official legal business right now?
Margarethe: This is Lily, Sarah's daughter and my legitimate biological heir to this entire estate.
Arthur: That is impossible, Sarah never had any children before she passed away last year!
Lily: You came to our apartment and told my mom that my grandma hated her!
Arthur stood up so fast from his chair that he nearly knocked his briefcase over.
Arthur: This child is lying or confused, Margarethe, do not listen to this ridiculous story!
Margarethe: She has the locket I gave Sarah, Arthur, and she has all Sarah's stolen letters.