Morning arrived without warmth.
The private recovery estate overlooked the sea, its glass walls reflecting pale light across silent gardens. Security vehicles lined the entrance road, discreet but unmistakable. Nothing entered without permission. Nothing left without a record.
Evelyn Vance stood at the long dining table, untouched coffee cooling beside her as legal documents covered the surface like armor laid out before battle.
Three attorneys waited across from her.
None spoke first.
They understood the gravity of what she was about to do.
“Begin,” Evelyn said calmly.
The lead counsel adjusted his glasses. “The emergency guardianship filing grants you exclusive legal authority over all medical, educational, and custodial decisions concerning Silas Vance.”
Her expression did not c
