Chapter 6 - The VerdictThe judge's gavel fell with a finality that shook the room.

"The court finds in favor of Theo Wilder. Custody is awarded in full, and the defamation suit against the plaintiff is dismissed."
Cheers erupted. Thorne was led out by marshals on separate charges related to his embezzlement.
Theo rushed to Ava. He didn't pick her up—he knew she hated being carried—but he sat on the floor, pulling her chair into his arms.
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"We're going home," he whispered.
"Mom would be proud," Ava said, wiping a tear from his cheek.