Chapter 13 - A Secret in the Will
The judge hammered his gavel repeatedly until silence was restored.
"One more outburst like that, Mrs. Vance, and you will be removed," the judge warned coldly.
Julian’s lawyer tapped another button on the tablet screen.
A new document appeared on the wall displays—a handwritten codicil from Julian's late father.
"Furthermore, we submit the original estate ledger signed eight years ago," the attorney added.
Clara leaned closer to the monitor, her heart skipping a beat.
Her mother's legal maiden name was written clearly across the bottom of the document.
"What is that?" Clara whispered softly to Julian.
Julian turned to her, his voice full of solemn regret.
"My father didn't just hire your mother as a housekeeper years ago, Clara," Julian explained quietly.
"She was a co-owner of the original estate land before Victoria's family falsified the deed."
Clara stared at the screen in utter disbelief.
"My mother... owned half of this estate?" Clara gasped.
"Yes," Julian said softly. "You never belonged in that kitchen, Clara."
"You were meant to be an owner of that house all along."
Victoria’s jaw dropped open as she realized her entire narrative was crumbling to dust.
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"No... no! That's impossible!" Victoria shrieked, her voice cracking with desperation.
"She was just a maid! A filthy servant!"
