Elena stared at the document until the words lost meaning.
Guardianship Transfer Request — Applicant: Victor Kingsley
He wasn’t threatening anymore.
He was moving legally.
Lucas lowered the tablet, his expression grim. “He’s claiming both you and Adrian are unstable because of the media chaos. If the court agrees, Ethan could be placed under temporary guardianship.”
Elena didn’t respond immediately.
“Say something,” Lucas pressed.
Her voice came out calm—too calm.
“He expects me to panic.”
Lucas watched her carefully.
“He thinks a mother will break when her child is cornered.”
Her eyes lifted, sharp and steady.
“He’s wrong.”
---
Across the city, Adrian read the same document again.
And again.
Each line burned deeper than the last.
Parental instability. Risk exposure. Guard
