By noon, the summer temperature outside began to rise very quickly.
Julian sat in the formal library surrounded by old leather books.
He reviewed old financial bank records from his father's desk drawer.
He noticed several strange bank transfers made during the past six months.
Large sums of cash had been moved into a private foreign account.
The beneficiary name listed on the receipts was Victoria's maiden name.
Julian felt his heart beat faster against his ribcage with suspicion.
His father had been very sick during those final few months.
Victoria had controlled all of his medicine and visitor schedules carefully.
Julian regretted trusting her during those stressful emotional weeks.
The library door opened with a quiet and smooth wooden creak.
The old family lawyer walked inside carrying a dark brown leather briefcase.
His name was Mr. Harrison, and he looked extremely tired today.
Mr. Harrison: Good afternoon, Julian, it is good to see you.
Julian: Thank you for coming so quickly, Mr. Harrison.
Mr. Harrison: We must wait for Victoria before opening this envelope.
Julian: She is upstairs getting ready for our meeting right now.
Mr. Harrison: Is little baby Leo resting comfortably in his room?
Julian: Yes, the nanny is watching him upstairs in the nursery.
Mr. Harrison set his heavy briefcase down on the shiny mahogany table.
He adjusted his small wire glasses and looked around the quiet room.
Mr. Harrison: Your father loved both of his sons very deeply, Julian.
Julian: I know he did, but I worry about Victoria's motives.
Mr. Harrison: The legal document inside this case is very specific.
Julian: Did my father change his will before he passed away?
Mr. Harrison: He updated the trust fund details three months ago.
Julian leaned forward on the desk with a sharp look of curiosity.
Before Mr. Harrison could explain more, Victoria walked into the library.
She was holding a glass of iced water with long diamond rings.
Her posture was tall, stiff, and full of intense quiet confidence.
Victoria: Let us start this business right away, Mr. Harrison.
Mr. Harrison: Please sit down, Victoria, while I unpack the files.
Victoria: I prefer to stand during important financial discussions.
Julian: Just sit down so we can get this over with.
Victoria glared at Julian with cold contempt in her posture.
Mr. Harrison clicked open the silver metal locks of his briefcase.
He pulled out a thick stack of white legal paper documents.
The room became completely quiet except for the sound of breathing.
Julian held his breath as the lawyer unfolded the cover page.
Mr. Harrison: We will now read the final wish of Arthur Vance.