Richard tried to put on a worried smile as he closed the front door behind him.
He looked down at Noah, and his eyes flicked quickly to the fallen statue.
Richard: Julian, why is the maid hugging the boy on the floor?
Julian: Get out of my house, Richard.
Richard stopped moving and blinked in confusion, holding his briefcase tighter.
Richard: Excuse me?
Richard: I came over to bring the legal documents for Noah's trust fund management.
Julian stood up slowly, his tall frame looming over his stepbrother.
Julian: I know what you did while I was at work yesterday.
Richard: I don't know what you are talking about, Julian.
Julian: You forced a traumatized seven-year-old child to sign legal papers!
Richard's face flushed red, and he looked around the room nervously.
His gaze fell upon Clara, who was standing beside Noah, holding the boy's hand tightly.
Richard: Are you taking the word of a frightened kid and a cheap maid over mine?
Clara stepped forward, her voice calm and firm as she stared straight at Richard.
Clara: He is not just a frightened kid, Mr. Vance.
Clara: He is a young boy who knows when he is being threatened by a bully.
Richard: Keep your mouth shut, maid, or I will have you fired instantly!
Julian stepped right between Richard and Clara, his eyes blazing with fury.
Julian: You will not speak to her like that in this house ever again.
Julian: In fact, you will not speak to anyone in this family ever again.
Julian pulled out his cell phone from his pocket and pressed a fast dial button.
Julian: Hello, detective? This is Julian Vance.
Julian: I need you to come to my residence right away to report child coercion and fraud.
Richard's eyes went wide with pure panic as he backed away toward the exit.
Richard: You're making a huge mistake, Julian!
Julian: The only mistake I made was letting you near my family.
Richard turned around and tried to open the heavy front door to escape into the driveway.
Two security guards who worked for the Vance estate opened the door from the outside, blocking his way.
Julian pointed at Richard with a stern hand as the guards stepped inside.
Julian: Hold him right here until the police arrive.