My palms were sweating, but my voice was steady.
“But Ellie’s father has different plans. Behind the façade of a perfect little family, he’s planning to use that money for something else entirely. He’s using our daughter.”
My lawyer played the recording.
The room fell silent.
“Once we get custody, we can petition for control of the trust. That money is our shot — the beach house, your yoga studio…”
“…Sarah doesn’t even know we’re filing paperwork…”
“…She doesn’t stand a chance in court…”
I stood there quietly. No glances.
No shaking. And that silence spoke louder than all the arguments Jake and I had ever had.
The court ruled to keep custody with me. The recording I made that night turned out to be both crucial and undeniable.
Jake didn’t say a word when the judge read the verdict.
Candy lowered her gaze and clenched her jaw. Ellie ran to me, wrapping her arms around my waist, whispering,
“Mommy, we’re still together, right?”
We were. And I was stronger than I ever thought.
I didn’t need the perfect hairstyle, a glamorous dress, or a wealthy circle to prove one thing: real love always wins.
