Richard took a step back toward the grand stairs with his head down.
He knew that his careful plan had fallen apart completely in front of everyone.
Victoria picked up her shopping bags and looked at Richard with cold eyes.
Victoria: I am taking my things and leaving right now.
Richard: Victoria, please wait, I can explain everything to you!
Victoria: You lied about your wealth, and you are taking from a child.
She turned around on her high heels and walked out the front door.
The heavy oak door slammed shut behind her with a loud bang.
Richard stood alone at the base of the stairs, looking defeated and small.
Mr. Harrison opened his leather briefcase and pulled out a stack of papers.
Mr. Harrison: The court has issued a temporary order, Mr. Vance.
Richard: You cannot kick me out of my own home!
Mr. Harrison: This home belongs to Matteo's mother's estate trust, not to you.
Richard: I am his biological father!
Mr. Harrison: And you have proven to be an unfit guardian by breaking the law.
Two police officers walked through the open front door behind the lawyer.
They walked over to Richard and calmly asked him to step outside with them.
Richard looked at his son one last time before he walked toward the door.
Matteo hid his face in Elena's shoulder and refused to look back at him.
Richard: Matteo, I am sorry...
The officers led Richard out of the big house into the bright sun.
The loud hum of the police car engine faded away down the long driveway.
The giant mansion was quiet again, but the cold feeling was finally gone.
Mr. Harrison smiled warmly at Elena and the little boy in her arms.
Mr. Harrison: You were very brave today, Elena.
Elena: I just did what any decent person should do for a child.
Mr. Harrison: The judge will appoint a proper legal guardian tomorrow morning.
Matteo: Can Elena stay with me forever, Mr. Harrison?
Mr. Harrison: If she agrees, she will be your official guardian from today on.