"Give that paper back to me immediately, Sarah," Julian demanded loudly.
His voice shook with a mixture of intense fear and authority.
Sarah held the yellowed document firmly against her chest with pride.
"What is this paper doing hidden inside an art statue?" she asked.
Leo pulled gently on the hem of Sarah's plain apron.
"He told me never to touch the horse," Leo whimpered quietly.
"He said the paper inside would ruin everything we have built."
Sarah unfolded the stiff paper with quick, nervous fingers.
It was an official hospital adoption record from eight years ago.
The birth mother's signature at the bottom was completely forged.
But the child's original birth name was clearly printed in black ink.
The document read: Mateo Miller, born to Sarah Miller on June fifth.
Sarah gasped loudly as the room seemed to spin around her.
She looked down at little Leo, who was staring back at her.
The boy had her late father's distinct bright green eye color.
She realized in one sudden moment why her heart loved him.
Leo was not Julian's nephew from a distant family branch.
Leo was her stolen son who had been raised in secret.
Julian took a slow step backward toward his large private office.
"I did not steal him from you, Sarah," Julian lied quickly.
"My late brother brought him home after a private transaction."
"I only took him in when my brother passed away recently."
Sarah felt pure righteous fury burning inside her entire body now.
"You knew who I was when you hired me," Sarah yelled.
"You kept my own son right in front of my eyes!"
Julian reached into his jacket to pull out his cellphone quickly.
He intended to call his expensive private legal team right away.