Arthur: Now comes the legal matter of Leo's custody status, Mr. Sterling.
David: What do we need to do, Arthur? Tell me immediately.
Arthur: Since the original transfer documents were completely fraudulent, Clara Jenkins remains Leo's legal and biological mother under state law. Technically, she has full legal rights to the child.
Clara looked up in shock, her breath catching in her throat as she tightened her grip on her small boy.
Clara: Full legal rights...? But... I don't have a mansion, Mr. Sterling. I live in a tiny studio apartment on the south side. I work long hours catering events just to pay my electric bill.
David: Clara, please listen to me. I love Leo with all my heart. I have fed him, held him when he was sick, and rocked him to sleep every night for three years. I cannot bear the thought of losing him.
Clara: I would never take him away from a father who loves him, Mr. Sterling. I saw how he ran to you in the ballroom. He trusts you.
Grandmother Eleanor: You are a truly noble young woman, Clara. Most people in your position would demand millions of dollars or threaten a bitter custody lawsuit.
Clara: I don't want money, Madam Eleanor. I only want to be in my son's life. I want to hold him, watch him grow up, and hear him call me mother without being hidden in the shadows.
David wiped a stray tear from his eye, stepping forward to sit on the edge of the sofa beside Clara.
David: You will never be in the shadows again, Clara. Arthur, prepare joint custody papers immediately, granting Clara fifty percent legal guardianship and full parental rights.
Arthur: Right away, sir. And regarding living arrangements?
David: Clara and her son belong here. The west wing of this mansion has a full private suite overlooking the gardens. It is yours for as long as you wish to stay, Clara.
Clara: Live here in the mansion? Mr. Sterling, I couldn't possibly accept that—
David: You aren't accepting a charity handout, Clara. You are coming home to raise our son together. We will hire top tutors, secure his trust fund in both our names, and ensure he never spends another day wondering who his mother is.
Leo: Mommy stays here? With Daddy and me?
David: Yes, sweet boy. Mommy is staying with us forever.
Leo let out a bright, cheerful laugh, wrapping his small arms around both David and Clara's necks, pulling their faces close together as he snuggled into the white baby blanket.