Chapter 10 - THE HEARING
The custody hearing drew national attention.
Adrian hated it.
Clara hated it more.
Reporters waited outside the courthouse.
Some called her the “Billionaire’s Secret Maid.”
Others called her a gold digger.
One headline asked whether she had manipulated Noah.
Adrian saw it.
The next morning, he walked through the courthouse entrance beside Clara.
Not ahead of her.
Beside her.
When reporters shouted questions, Adrian stopped.
“My name is Adrian Blackwood.”
Cameras turned.
“Clara Bennett did not steal my son.”
“She did not manipulate him.”
“She did not enter my home for money.”
“She entered my home because people I trusted stole her child and used my wealth to keep her powerless.”
Clara stared at him.
Adrian continued.
“If anyone wants to blame someone for what happened, blame the people who committed the crimes.”
“And blame me for not asking enough questions.”
Then he walked inside.
The hearing lasted six hours.
The judge reviewed the DNA results.
Hospital records.
Keller’s confession.
Vanessa’s recordings.
Mia’s evidence.
And Clara’s years of documented caregiving.
Finally, Judge Harrison removed her glasses.
“This court is confronted with an extraordinary situation.”
Clara squeezed her hands together.
Adrian sat motionless.
“Noah Blackwood has spent his entire life forming attachments under circumstances created by fraud.”
The judge looked at Clara.
“You are his biological mother.”
Then at Adrian.
“You are his biological father.”
Then toward Noah’s guardian ad litem.
“And fortunately, despite the misconduct of others, this child appears deeply bonded to both parents.”
She issued temporary joint custody.
Clara began crying.
Adrian exhaled.
But the judge wasn’t finished.
“There is one additional matter.”
Everyone looked up.
“A petition was filed this morning.”
Adrian frowned.
“By whom?”
The courtroom doors opened.
An elderly woman entered.
Clara recognized her immediately.
Adrian did too.
His mother.
May you like
Margaret Blackwood.
And she was asking the court for sole custody of Noah.
