The black sedan rolled smoothly up the gravel driveway of the grand estate just as a pair of federal marshal cruisers pulled up behind it.
Aunt Beatrice stood near the front steps, her face contorted in utter rage as she argued with the uniformed officers.
Beatrice: What do you mean my accounts are frozen?! Do you know who I am?!
Marshal: Step aside, Mrs. Davis. We have a court-ordered repossession notice for the premises.
Beatrice: Repossession?! This is my home! That ungrateful niece of mine has no claim here!
Clara stepped out of the passenger side of Marcus's car, walking toward the steps with her head held high and her shoulders back.
Clara: Actually, Aunt Beatrice, it's my home.
Beatrice spun around sharply, her eyes locking onto Clara with venomous fury.
Beatrice: You little parasite! What have you done?!
Clara: I just retrieved what belonged to me all along. Rex helped us find your little hiding spot behind the tapestry.
Beatrice went completely pale, her confident facade crumbling in an instant as she realized the safe had been discovered.
Beatrice: You... you broke into my private study?
Marcus: We opened the safe that contained the real will and the financial fraud evidence, Beatrice. Your game is officially over.
Beatrice: This is a conspiracy! I demand to speak to my lawyer!
Marshal: You can speak to whoever you like down at the precinct, ma'am. Put your hands behind your back.
Two officers stepped forward, gently but firmly guiding Beatrice's arms behind her as cold steel cuffs clicked into place.
Beatrice: Let go of me! Clara, you cannot do this to your own family! I raised you!
Clara: You kept me locked away while you stole my inheritance and lived like royalty on my father's hard work. That ends today.
Beatrice let out a shrill cry of protest as the marshals led her toward the back of the cruiser, pushing her down into the back seat.
Clara watched the vehicle drive away down the long driveway, feeling a profound weight lift off her shoulders.
Marcus: Well, looks like you're officially the master of the house now.
Clara: And it's all thanks to a very clever dog who liked scratching at old walls.
Rex barked happily, running up the stone steps and sitting right in front of the grand double doors as if waiting for his new kingdom to open.