Arthur picked up the receiver and put the phone on speaker mode immediately.
Victor: Sterling, did you serve that eviction notice to the kid yet?
Victor Thorne's harsh voice echoed across the quiet living room.
Arthur: Sterling is not speaking to you, Victor. Arthur Vance is speaking.
There was a long silence on the line as Thorne registered the name.
Victor: Vance? I thought you retired to a rocking chair years ago.
Arthur: I came out of retirement the moment you tried to steal from my grandson.
Victor: That estate owes my firm three million dollars in unpaid loans!
Arthur: You forged my son's signature on a backdated deed, Thorne.
Victor laughed coldly over the phone speaker, trying to hide his surprise.
Victor: You have no proof of that, old man. The court date is tomorrow.
Arthur: I have the original land registry records sitting right in my home safe.
Victor's tone changed from confident to sharp anger in an instant.
Victor: That property belongs to my corporation, and you know it!
Arthur: We will see what the probate judge thinks about your fake contract tomorrow.
Arthur slammed the phone down onto the cradle, ending the call completely.
He turned to Sterling, who was already writing down notes on his legal pad.
Richard: I will testify against Thorne. I will not lose my license for his crime.
Arthur: Good. Now let us go pick up my daughter-in-law from that shelter.
Leo jumped up from his chair with a wide smile on his face.
Leo: Are we really going to bring Mom here right now?
Arthur: Yes, Leo. Nobody in this family stays in the dark anymore.
They walked out to Arthur's car as the evening sun set over the quiet neighborhood.
Twenty minutes later, they arrived at the downtown community shelter building.
Sarah Vance stood near the entrance holding a small worn suitcase in her hands.
When she saw Leo run toward her, she dropped her bag and fell to her knees.
Sarah: Leo! Oh thank goodness you found him!
Leo: Mom, Grandpa is a lawyer, and he is helping us beat the bad man!
Sarah looked up at Arthur with deep relief and tears streaming down her face.
Sarah: Arthur... I am so sorry I didn't come to you sooner.
Arthur: You are family, Sarah. You never have to apologize for coming home.