The room became very quiet as Julian absorbed what his nephew had just revealed.
Richard was Julian's older stepbrother who managed the family trust fund details.
Richard had visited the mansion several times while Julian was away working late hours.
Julian had trusted his brother to help manage Noah's future inheritance after the tragic crash.
Now he realized Richard had been coming over to intimidate the little boy in secret.
Clara gently wiped the tears from Noah's cheeks with her sleeve.
Clara: Why would Uncle Richard say those things to you, Noah?
Noah: He told me if I didn't sign the paper, he would put me in a home far away.
Julian stood up instantly, his face turning pale with rage.
Julian: What paper did he make you sign, Noah?
Noah: A big white paper with red stamps on the bottom.
Noah: He held my hand and made me write my name with a silver pen.
Julian ran a hand through his hair as the terrible reality hit him.
Richard was trying to take control of Noah's multimillion-dollar trust fund by forcing the child into signing custody release papers.
If Noah was declared mentally unfit or sent to a private care home, Richard would control the entire estate.
Julian felt a wave of guilt wash over him for being so blind to his brother's wicked plans.
He had focused so much on running his business that he had missed what was happening in his own home.
He looked down at Clara, who was still holding Noah close to her heart.
Julian: You saved his life today in more ways than one, Clara.
Clara: I just did what any human being would do, Mr. Vance.
Julian: No, everyone else kept their distance, but you saw his pain.
Noah looked up at Julian and reached out his small hand timidly.
Julian dropped to his knees and pulled both Clara and Noah into a tight hug.
For the first time in six months, Noah did not pull away from his uncle.
He leaned into Julian's chest and began to cry tears of relief.
Julian: I will never let anyone hurt you again, Noah.
Julian: I promise you that on my life.
Suddenly, the heavy front door opened, and a tall man in a dark coat walked into the house.
It was Uncle Richard, carrying a thick leather briefcase under his arm.
He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw the broken statue and the three of them on the floor.
Richard: What on earth happened in here?