Within thirty minutes, two police officers arrived at the mansion to take Richard into custody.
They took the forged legal documents from Richard's briefcase and took statements from Julian and Clara.
Noah sat on the comfortable sofa in the living room, drinking warm cocoa that Clara had prepared.
He looked much calmer now, his little hands wrapped around the soft mug.
After the police left with Richard, Julian walked into the living room and sat near Noah.
He looked at Clara, who was quietly folding a blanket near the hallway door.
Julian: Clara, please stop working for a moment and come sit down with us.
Clara placed the blanket on a nearby chair and walked over softly.
Clara: Is there anything else you need, Mr. Vance?
Julian: Yes, I need you to listen to me very carefully.
Julian took a deep breath and reached out to take Noah's hand in his own.
Julian: Today you saved my nephew from a terrible life of fear and abuse.
Julian: You saw what no doctor or expert could see because you cared with your heart.
Clara: He just needed someone to listen to him, Mr. Vance.
Julian: I want to hire you as Noah's full-time guardian and companion.
Julian: No more cleaning floors or mopping stairs for you in this house.
Clara looked at him in total surprise, her heart beating fast in her chest.
Clara: Mr. Vance, I am just a maid.
Julian: You are the person who brought my nephew's voice back to life today.
Noah looked up at Clara with a small, sweet smile on his face.
Noah: Please stay with me, Clara?
Tears of joy rose in Clara's eyes as she looked at the young boy's gentle face.
Clara: I would love to stay with you, Noah.
Julian smiled warmly, feeling a sense of peace in his home for the very first time in months.
Julian: Then it is settled.
Julian: You are family now, Clara.