Dennstein & Schwarz – Sterben macht Erben (2018)

After Count Florentin Dennstein dies, the reading of his will brings a surprise: Fritz Lanner, an organic farmer and the deceased’s illegitimate son, is also named as a beneficiary. He has been left one third of the total estate, worth 150 million euros. Fritz was once the great love of young lawyer Dr. Therese Schwarz and is now married to the pregnant Laura Lanner. He had no idea about his parentage, nor did the rest of the Dennstein family. The deceased’s daughter-in-law, lawyer Dr. Paula Dennstein, is to represent the family. Fritz, however, turns to the Biron & Schwarz law firm, where he meets Therese, his childhood sweetheart, who agrees to represent him. Paula Dennstein initially tries to fob Fritz Lanner off with one million euros, but on his lawyer’s advice he refuses. Countess Alexandra Dennstein offers Dr. Xaver Biron, the other partner at Biron & Schwarz, the chance to represent the family foundation later, if he handles the matter as she wishes. Biron then wants to take over Fritz Lanner’s case, but Lanner releases the firm and appoints Therese Schwarz instead. Paula Dennstein contests the will in court, arguing that the deceased had labored under a material mistake because there is no conclusive proof of paternity. The judge therefore orders a genetic test of the possible half-brothers, Felix Dennstein and Fritz Lanner. After Therese Schwarz receives a test result that cannot be used in court, indicating that it is highly likely there is no relation between Florentin Dennstein and Fritz Lanner, Therese tries after all to accept Paula Dennstein’s original offer of one million euros. Countess Alexandra Dennstein refuses, however, saying Fritz should not receive a single cent. He happens to find several love letters from Florentin Dennstein to his mother on his farm. Therese Schwarz gives them to Paula Dennstein, and the two women then want to reach an out-of-court settlement, but do not know how to persuade their clients. After an accident involving a firearm in which Biron injures himself, Fritz is remanded in custody and accused of having fired the shot. Although Biron himself remembers what happened, the Countess urges him not to testify until Fritz has given up his inheritance. The accident was captured by wildlife cameras belonging to Ferdinand Dennstein, Paula’s son. Felix Dennstein had also previously been filmed having sex with the doctor Susanne Reiter. Paula then leaves her husband Felix, and Fritz is released from custody on the basis of the available video evidence. Therese shows Paula the result of the genetic test she has. But since it contradicts the love letters, they decide the Countess must answer their questions. She finally admits that Felix is the only son she and Xaver Biron have.