Chapter 18 - THE FINAL CUSTODY BATTLEHeadline: The Ultimate Betrayal! Corrupt Social Services Try To Tear Chloe Away!
Three months passed. The snow melted, giving way to the warm sunlight of early spring. Edward and Victoria were locked away in a maximum-security federal prison, awaiting trial for their countless crimes. Grace and James had rebuilt their lives, living peacefully in a grand estate in the countryside where Chloe finally had a yard to run and play in.
However, peace was short-lived.
One afternoon, two dark sedans pulled up the long driveway of the estate. A woman in a dark business suit stepped out, holding a clipboard, accompanied by two state marshals.
"Eleanor Vance?" the woman stated coldly as Grace opened the front door. "I am Agent Miller from Child Protective Services. We have received an official court mandate challenging your legal custody of Chloe Vance due to your past criminal record and unstable living conditions during her formative years."
Grace felt her heart plummet into a dark abyss. "What?! My record was completely cleared by the Federal Government! I am her mother!"
"The petition was filed by Edward Sterling's legal defense team before his conviction," Agent Miller replied without emotion. "Until a formal hearing takes place in court tomorrow morning, the state must take temporary custody of the minor."
Chloe screamed from the hallway, clinging to Grace's skirt. "Mommy! Don't let them take me! Mommy!"
James marched out to the porch, his eyes blazing with fury. "You step one foot closer to this child, and I will have your entire department sued into non-existence!"
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"Try it, Mr. Sterling," Miller sneered. "Or you can fight us where it matters: in front of the judge tomorrow."
Hook: A rigged court system and corrupt officials—can James win the most important trial of his life to keep his new family together?
