The apartment was entirely silent save for the muffled rhythm of the snow hitting the glass and the soft, steady breathing of the little girl asleep on the sofa.

The corridors of the King County Courthouse smelled of floor wax, old paper, and quiet desperation.

Victor sat on the polished wooden bench outside Judge Harrison’s chambers, holding Sophie’s small hand. Sophie was dressed in her new white parka and a clean blue dress, clutching Lily the rag doll like a talisman against the intimidating bureaucracy of the law.

The heavy oak doors swung open, and Marcus Vance stepped out, adjusting his expensive silk tie. He walked over to Victor with a grave, professional expression.

"Judge Harrison is reviewing the emergency petition now," Marcus said, keeping his voice low. "She’s not happy about the unconventional nature of this filing, Victor. An abandoned child found on Christmas Eve taken in by a billionaire in the middle of a messy divorce? It looks like a PR stunt on paper."

"It's not a stunt, Marcus," Victor replied flatly. "You saw the medical evaluation from last night. She was malnourished, freezing, and showing signs of prolonged neglect."

"I know," Marcus sighed. "And I've presented all of that. But Amanda’s legal team filed an opposition brief forty-five minutes ago."

Victor’s eyes narrowed. "Amanda? How did she even know we were filing?"

"Her lawyers monitor docket filings in real-time," Marcus said grimly. "They’re arguing that you're unstable, unfit, and using an undocumented minor to project a false image of domestic stability for your custody case with Clare."

Before Victor could answer, the bailiff opened the chamber doors. "Case number 24-CV-889. In re the guardianship of Sophie Vance—"