He pressed play.
The room filled with Daniel Cross’s voice, cold and unmistakable:
“Once I get custody, the kid goes to boarding school. Cheap one. The rest of the money’s mine.”
Emily covered her mouth as tears streamed down her face.
“That recording is illegal!” Daniel shouted.
Judge Collins raised her gavel. “Sit down. Now.”
Lucas looked straight at his father.
“A real parent doesn’t call their child a ‘problem,’” he said quietly. “And they don’t try to lock them away for money.”
The judge reviewed the evidence in silence.
After a long moment, she spoke.
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