Chapter 6 - The Custody Trap
The preliminary hearing took place three weeks later in a high-security family courthouse.
Jessica arrived wearing a conservative pastel suit, playing the part of the heartbroken, victimized mother. Her lawyers presented the surrogacy contract to the judge, demanding immediate physical custody of the twins.
"Your Honor," Jessica’s lawyer argued smoothly. "This is a tragic case of buyer's remorse. The biological mother took the money, and now she is trying to extort my client by withholding the children."
Our attorney, a ruthless federal litigator Marcus had hired, stood up.
"Your Honor, this contract is a complete fabrication," our lawyer stated. "We have sworn affidavits from the clinic proving the social worker was an imposter hired by Ms. Lawson."
The judge frowned, looking over the documents. "An affidavit is not concrete proof of forgery, Counselor. The signature matches Sarah Sterling's. Unless you can provide undeniable proof of criminal conspiracy, the contract stands, and I will be forced to grant temporary custody to the plaintiff."
My heart stopped. Jessica turned slightly and gave me a wicked, victorious wink.
May you like
The judge raised his gavel. "We will reconvene in forty-eight—"
"Wait!" the courtroom doors burst open.
