Mr. New York clears his throat before he stands. “Yes, Your Honor. We have filed the paperwork within the allotted time and wish to address this matter swiftly.”
A chilling smile pulls at Judge Harris’ lips as she sits the neat stack of papers on the table in front of her. “I can see that, Mister…?” She raises a brow as she waits for him to provide his name.
“Mr. Thorne, Your Honor.”
Her brows dip as she tilts her head like a mother does when deciding how best to punish a disobedient child. “Well,Mr. Thorne, I intend to handle this matter with the utmost respect it deserves,no matter how long it may take. Wouldn’t you agree Jasper and Posey deserve that common courtesy?”
His answering smile is reminiscent of a crocodile. “Of course, Your Honor.”
“Now that we have come to that agreement, I would like to proceed.” Her eyes fall to the papers in front of her once again before flicking at me. “Miss Sullivan. I have Mrs. Evelyn Jones’ final recommendations in front of me. Most of her assessment, however, was given under the assumption that you were the only candidate for full custody.” She raises a brow as her eyes flick to the table opposite me. “That has since changed. Therefore, today’s proceeding will not be as swift as I had previously hoped. Luckily, the case scheduled directly after yours has been postponed, so we can take as long as we need today.”
A headache blooms as my teeth threaten to crack under the pressure from my clenched jaw.
I hear Kam’s words from early this morning, like he’s whispering them in my ear.When you feel you’re about to fall, look back at me so I can catch you.
My eyes flick behind me to be snared by the warmth of chocolate and the safety of home. His mouthedI love youkickstarts my heart back into proper rhythm.
So, I do the only thing I can do. I turn back around and slide my game face into place so I can face my greatest adversary.
Because Iwillbe victorious.
CHAPTER 64
YOUR HONOR
LILA
Judge Harris clasps her hands on the desk in front of her as she focuses her full attention on my grandparents. “I would like to start by hearing why you want full custody, Mr. and Mrs. Abernathy.” Mr. Thorne opens his mouth, but Judge Harris’ stern look halts his words. “I would like to hear the Abernathy’s own words, Mr. Thorne. Not yours.”
He tries and fails to hide the scrunch of his nose as Maxwell clears his throat. “We do not believe Miss Sullivan has thecapabilitiesto raise two young children, Your Honor.”
Judge Harris quirks a brow as her eyes flick to me before returning to Maxwell. “And what is your evidence of this?”
“She told us herself she has no plans for paying for Posey’s dance lessons after the first of the year, Your Honor. How can she fully support their education if she can’t even send the poor girl to dance class?”
I nearly jump out of my seat as Mr. Porter shuffles the papers in front of him. “Your Honor, if I may, I would like to present you with the receipts showing Posey’s ballet lessons have been paid in full through the end of next year.”
What the hell?
I try to hide the shock from my face as the Judge inclines her head at the bailiff next to her. His heavy footsteps mimic the beating of my heart as it tries to escape my chest as he takes the paper and hands it to the judge.
I didn’t pay for her classes. Who would have done that? Who would think to?—
My hair sways around my shoulders as I look behind me to find a smiling Kam. His wink nearly sends me flying from my chair again.
Judge Harris’ voice has me turning back around to find a smile on her face. “It seems that will no longer be an issue, Mr. Abernathy. What are your other concerns?”
Maxwell straightens his suit jacket as he says, “Miss Sullivan also admitted to the lack of a plan for the twins’ college education.”
The Judge’s raised brow nearly sends a laugh flying from my mouth. “You mean their college education that won’t happen for another ten years?”
His approving nod contrasts with the look on the Judge's face. “Yes, Your Honor.”
“Are you purposefully trying to waste my time, Mr. Abernathy, or do you have any probable cause as to why Miss Sullivan shouldn’t take full custody today?”
Maxwell’s smile slips firmly from his face as he stares at her in open mouthed shock. “I assure you, Your Honor, that we are what is best for the children. Miss Sullivan is but achildherself. Someone so young cannotpossiblytake on that level of responsibility.” He finally composes his face. “She is not even staying in her own home, Your Honor. Her home is currently unfit for living, let alone for children.” A smug smile slips through the iron bars he so carefully constructed. “In fact, she has all but moved in with her boyfriend of only a few months. A child himself who has, on multiple occasions, beenleft alonewith the children who are supposed to be in her care. That’s not to mention his family history of DUIs and addiction, Your Honor.”
Even from his profile, I can see the underlying gleam of victory in his eyes that sends a ball of lead to the bottom of my stomach.
