Chapter 5: The Judge's Question
Chapter 5: The Judge's Question
Family Court convened three days later.
The courtroom was unusually crowded.
News of Evan Mercer's petition had spread quickly.
Not because he was wealthy.
Because everyone wanted to know why a billionaire had discovered he was a father only days earlier.
Judge Helen Brooks adjusted her glasses.
She studied both parents carefully.
"This court has reviewed the preliminary evidence."
She turned to Leah.
"You intentionally withheld the child's paternity."
Leah lowered her head.
"Yes, Your Honor."
"Why?"
"I thought I was protecting him."
The judge's expression didn't soften.
"And did that decision protect your daughter?"
Leah couldn't answer.
The judge shifted her attention to Evan.
"Mr. Mercer."
"You've requested immediate joint custody."
"Yes."
"Not sole custody?"
"No."
A murmur spread across the courtroom.
The judge looked surprised.
"After everything you've learned?"
Evan stood.
His voice remained calm.
"Your Honor..."
"My daughter has already lost four years with her father."
"I'm not asking this court to make her lose her mother too."
Leah burst into tears.
Even the court reporter paused typing.
Judge Brooks leaned back.
"Mr. Mercer."
"I have one final question."
"If the court grants shared custody..."
"What exactly do you intend to do?"
Evan looked toward Ellie.
She sat coloring quietly with court crayons, completely unaware that adults were deciding her future.
Then he answered.
"I'm going to learn how to be her dad."
The judge smiled for the first time that morning.
But before she could rule—
The courtroom doors suddenly burst open.
A bailiff hurried inside.
"Your Honor!"
"We have an emergency."
"Someone has filed a motion claiming Mr. Mercer is not Ellie's biological father."
Every head snapped toward the entrance.
Standing beside another attorney...
Was Sabrina.
May you like
Holding a sealed envelope.
And wearing the first confident smile she'd shown since the assault.
