Within thirty minutes, heavy footsteps echoed through the grand entry hall.
Arthur Vance, David's senior corporate lawyer, walked into the study.
He carried a worn leather briefcase and looked extremely serious.
Two local police officers stepped into the room right behind him.
Evelyn sat on the leather sofa, wringing her hands nervously.
Arthur: Good evening, David, I brought the proper paperwork.
David: Thank you for coming so fast, Arthur.
David handed the thick folder directly to his legal advisor.
Arthur opened the file and inspected the signatures with a magnifying lens.
Arthur: This signature is a clear and obvious forgery, David.
Evelyn: That is completely untrue, he signed it himself!
Arthur: Madam, the date listed here shows he was out of town.
The lead police officer stepped closer to the couch.
Officer: Mrs. Vance, we need you to stand up please.
Evelyn: David, please tell them this is all a huge mistake!
David: The only mistake I made was bringing you home.
Leo walked downstairs quietly and stood by the study doorway.
He rubbed his sleepy eyes and clutched his small teddy bear.
David noticed his son and walked over to shelter him.
He scooped Leo up and turned him away from the officers.
Leo: Is Mommy Evelyn going away now, Daddy?
David: Yes, Leo, she is leaving our house for good.
Leo: Will she ever come back to hurt us?
David: Never again, my sweet boy, I promise you.
The female officer placed soft restraints around Evelyn's wrists.
Evelyn glared back at David and Leo with furious red eyes.
Evelyn: You will regret this day, David Vance!
David: I only regret letting you near my innocent child.
The officers guided Evelyn out through the front double doors.
The heavy front door clicked shut with a final decisive sound.
Arthur closed his briefcase and looked up at his longtime client.
Arthur: We will file for an emergency divorce first thing tomorrow.
David: Make sure she gets nothing from this estate, Arthur.
Arthur: The forgery alone ensures she loses all spousal claims.
David felt a massive weight lift off his heavy chest.
He held Leo tightly against his heart as Arthur departed.
The quiet house finally felt safe and peaceful once again.