The sudden chime of the front doorbell made little Leo jump in his chair.
Thomas quickly grabbed Leo's cold hand under the table to comfort him.
Thomas: Don't worry, Leo. My mom won't let anyone hurt you here.
Sarah walked with firm and steady steps toward the grand entryway of her house.
She looked through the narrow side window next to the thick wooden door.
A tall man in a dark jacket was standing on the front porch with a cold glare.
It was Daniel, his jaw tight and his fists clenched at his sides.
Sarah pulled the heavy front door open just a few short inches.
Sarah: What are you doing on my property, Daniel?
Daniel: I know my stepson is in there with your boy, Sarah.
Daniel: Hand him over right now or I will call the local police.
Sarah let out a sharp laugh that carried across the bright driveway.
Sarah: Go ahead and call the police, Daniel. I am waiting for them.
Sarah: They will certainly love to see the marks on that boy's face.
Daniel shifted his weight uncomfortably and narrowed his dark eyes at her.
Daniel: You have no legal right to keep my stepson in your house.
Sarah: I have every right to protect a child from severe mistreatment.
Sarah: My attorney is already filing emergency protective custody papers with the court.
Daniel took a step closer toward the door with a low menace in his voice.
Daniel: You don't know what you are getting into, Sarah.
Daniel: That boy's estate is worth millions, and it belongs under my control.
Sarah: That money belongs to Leo, not to a greedy bully like you.
Daniel: His mother left me as his legal guardian in her final will.
Sarah: A judge will gladly cancel that guardianship when he sees the truth.
Daniel slammed his heavy palm against the wooden door frame in frustration.
Daniel: You are making a huge mistake that will cost you everything!
Sarah: Leave my house before my security team removes you by force.
Daniel glared at her for a moment before turning back toward his truck.
Sarah locked the front door tightly and leaned her back against the cool wood.
Her heart was pounding wildly, but her mind was completely made up.
She walked back into the bright dining hall where the boys waited quietly.
Thomas: Did he leave, Mom?
Sarah: Yes, Thomas. But we have a long legal battle ahead of us.
Leo: I am so sorry for bringing trouble to your house, Sarah.
Sarah: You didn't bring trouble, Leo. You brought us the chance to save you.