DEVIS HOUSE – HALLWAY & LAURAN'S ROOM
Justin ran down the hallway, his heart pounding, heading straight for Laurán's room. He started rifling through the drawers and shelves, desperate to find something important.
Meanwhile, Amber came to check on Lussy.
Amber: 😐
"What's happened to him?"
She saw Justin disappearing around the corner and immediately followed him, concern written all over her face.
---
LAURAN'S ROOM
Amber entered quietly.
Amber: ☺️
"Looking for something, Justin?"
Justin glanced back at her, slightly out of breath.
Justin: 🙁
"Yes… these papers. Four of them, pinned together."
Amber: 🙂
"Oh! I can help too."
They both started rifling through the scattered papers. Amber flipped one over.
Amber: 🤔
"What's this?"
Justin: 😎
"Here, look. This is the one."
He pointed, and Amber came closer.
Justin held Amber's hand gently as they examined the documents together.
Justin: 😎
"Got it."
Amber leaned in to see and froze, her eyes wide.
Amber: 😶
"…What is this?"
Justin: 😎
"It's the Power of Attorney… all in Thomas's name."
He carefully took the papers from her, scanning every line.
Amber: 😶
"But… how? Everyone's signatures are here… including mine?"
Justin: 😎
"Yes. Aunt Laurán set up an elaborate game. She transferred all property to Thomas, framed Aunt Megan, and schemed to make the brothers fight after… you all died."
Amber stared at Justin, trying to process the revelation.
Amber: 🧐
"So… are you married?"
Justin kept his eyes on the paper, his expression tense.
Justin: 😐
"Yeah… but not to the one I loved. Grandma made me marry someone else."
Amber: 🧐
"Who?"
Justin indicated the paper, still scanning it.
Justin: 😐
"The maid's daughter… from the Devis household."
Amber's mouth fell open.
Amber: 😶
"…You're kidding."
Justin shook his head, the weight of the scheming pressing down on them both.
---continue