Chapter 9 - The Final Choice“You’re not my family, Nathan,” Leah said, her voice calm, steady, and utterly devoid of emotion. “My family is right here in my arms.”
Nathan took another step forward, desperation leaking into his eyes. “You can’t do this alone! You need me! The courts—the custody battles—!”
“There won’t be a custody battle,” Simone interjected, stepping smoothly between Nathan and Leah, flashing a brilliant, icy smile. “Because as of an hour ago, my legal team filed for an immediate, uncontested divorce on grounds of fraud, endangerment, and conspiracy, alongside full sole custody rights for Leah, backed by state prosecutors who are very interested in your family’s asset forfeiture.”
Nathan stared at Simone, then back at Leah, realizing the total annihilation of his life. He dropped his gaze to the floor, defeated, knowing there were no words left that could save him. Without another word, he turned around and walked out of the room, his footsteps echoing hollowly down the empty corridor.
Leah let out a long, shuddering breath, feeling the last remaining tension leave her shoulders. The prison walls constructed by the Sterling family had completely crumbled to dust.
“Well,” Simone said, clapping her hands lightly together. “That takes care of the trash. Now, what do you say we go somewhere sunny where no one has ever heard of Doreen Sterling?”
May you like
Leah smiled down at her son, whose tiny hand gently wrapped around her finger.
“I’d like that,” Leah whispered. “Let’s go home.”
