The sound of gavel strikes echoed in Talia's mind long before she stepped into the courthouse.
The press had already gathered like wolves. Flashbulbs, shouted questions, and flying microphones swarmed them as they exited the black SUV. Talia held Luna in her arms, Ethan right beside her carrying Zane. Elijah and Mia flanked them, a protective wall of calm and quiet authority.
Talia looked stunning but grounded, her hair in a sleek bun, a tailored navy blue dress hugging her modestly around her still-healing figure. She wore no flashy jewelry, no dramatic makeup. Just a simple chain and the quiet fire of a mother walking into battle.
Inside the courtroom, Vanessa Hart already sat with her lawyer, poised, icy, dressed like a grieving angel in white. She gave Talia a sharp, victorious smile that made Ethan's jaw lock.
"She has no chance," he whispered to Talia, his hand on her back. "We have the DNA test, the footage showing her trespassing, even a court-verified timeline."
