My six-year-old nephew crawled to my door with a broken leg while his three-year-old sister clung to his shirt, sobbing

While the children were settling into their new life, the legal war outside my gates was far from over.

On Friday morning, Marcus entered my study with a serious expression.

"Thomas, we have a problem in court," Marcus reported, opening his leather portfolio. "Julian Vance’s criminal defense team just hired Arthur Pendelton."

I frowned. Pendelton was the most ruthless, expensive criminal defense attorney in the state. He was famous for destroying witness credibility and manipulating technicalities to get high-profile mobsters off the hook.

"What is Pendelton’s move?" I asked.

"He filed an emergency motion to block your petition for permanent guardianship of Leo and Maya," Marcus explained. "He’s claiming that as a man with alleged ties to organized crime, you are an unfit guardian. He’s arguing that the children should be placed in a state group home until the murder trial is concluded."

A cold rage flared in my chest. "He wants the children out of my house so he can intimidate them into changing their statements about the basement."

"Precisely," Marcus nodded. "If the children aren't available to testify about the abuse, Pendelton can argue that the basement was just a 'disciplinary measure' and that Rebecca’s confession was coerced under duress."

I stood up, walking toward the window looking out over the lake.

"When is the guardianship hearing?" I asked.

"Tomorrow morning at 9:00 a.m. in District Court 4," Marcus answered. "Judge Harrison is presiding."

"Judge Harrison," I repeated softly. "The judge who owes Julian Vance money."

"Yes," Marcus said grimly. "If Harrison rules against us tomorrow, state social workers will arrive with legal authorization to remove Leo and Maya from this estate by noon."

I turned back to face my attorney. "Call a meeting with District Attorney Vance and the regional director of Child Protective Services. Tell them I will hand over Ethan’s encrypted drive—the drive containing evidence that clears up millions in stolen state funds—on one condition."

"What condition?"

"I want Judge Harrison removed from the bench for conflict of interest before 9:00 a.m. tomorrow," I said coldly. "And I want to personally present Leo’s medical records to the replacement judge."

Marcus smiled thinly. "I will make the call."

That evening, I sat with Leo and Maya in the estate’s dining room. The room was filled with the smell of fresh roasted chicken, vegetables, and warm apple pie made by my housekeeper, Mrs. Gable.

Maya was busy smearing mashed potatoes onto her plate, giggling as she tried to make a mountain out of them. Leo was eating hungrily, his appetite fully restored.

"Uncle Thomas?" Leo asked, setting his fork down.

"Yes, Leo?"

"Do we have to go to court tomorrow?"

I looked at him gently. "How do you know about court, buddy?"

"I heard the men talking outside," Leo murmured, looking down at his plate. "Is Rebecca going to be there?"

I reached across the table, placing my hand over his small fingers.

"You don't have to face her alone, Leo," I said firmly. "I will be standing right beside you. All you have to do is tell the judge the truth. Can you do that for your father and sister?"