Julian walked down the brightly lit hall to check the safe.
The metal combination lock had been turned out of order.
Someone had tried to open the strongbox without permission earlier.
Inside was the original life insurance policy for his late wife.
It named his baby daughter as the sole beneficiary of everything.
If those documents disappeared, Victoria could claim the whole estate.
Julian heard quick footsteps echo along the hardwood floor above.
He moved silently toward the base of the white staircase.
Victoria was speaking softly on her cell phone right then.
Victoria: The documents are almost ready for the court hearing.
Mark: Make sure Julian does not see the modified custody papers.
Victoria: He has no idea what is coming for him tomorrow.
Julian felt a wave of anger rush through his entire body.
He kept his voice quiet so he would not startle anyone.
He needed solid proof before he called the police department.
He slipped into the side room where the security monitors sat.
The digital screen showed Victoria standing right near the stairs.
She held the delicate antique baby cradle ornament in her hands.
It was a priceless gold heirloom given by Julian's mother.
Victoria held it near the railing with a cold look.
Julian: What is she planning to do with that heirloom?
Julian rushed out of the security room into the grand foyer.
He saw Victoria balance the heavy ornament right over the edge.
If it fell, it would shatter on the hard floor below.
Julian: Put that down right now and step away slowly!
Victoria: You care more about this trash than my future!
She loosened her grip on the heavy solid object suddenly.
The priceless family heirloom dropped through the open space quickly.
Julian lunged forward across the white marble floor without hesitation.
He dove across the slick tiles to catch the precious glass.
His hands caught the glass inches before it hit marble.
He pulled the fragile heirloom tightly against his chest now.
He let out a long sigh of relief on the floor.
Julian: I have got it, it is totally safe now.
He stood up slowly and looked up the grand staircase.
Victoria stood at the top with a pale shocked face.
She realized she had completely failed to destroy the evidence.
Julian ran quickly up the stairs to confront her directly.
His heavy steps rang out across the wooden steps loudly.
Victoria took a step back as he reached the landing.
Julian: How could you do something so reckless and cruel?!
Victoria: You pushed me to do this with your greed!
Julian pointed his finger directly at her cold nervous face.
The confrontation was about to reach its ultimate boiling point.