Lucas closed his notebook.
“And I can prove it.”
The judge straightened. “Proceed.”
Lucas reached into his backpack and pulled out a thick folder.
“I spent the last three months at the public library,” he said. “The head librarian helped me look up public records.”
He handed documents to the judge: court filings, financial disclosures, archived articles.
“My father lost over two million dollars in legal disputes,” Lucas explained. “His divorce filing lists hidden assets. And my grandmother’s trust clearly states the custody condition.”
Daniel jumped to his feet. “This is ridiculous!”
Lucas calmly reached into his bag again—this time pulling out a small voice recorder.
“During your last visit,” Lucas said, “you said this when you thought I was asleep.”
He pressed play.
The room filled with Daniel Cross’s voice, cold and unmistakable:
“Once I get custody, the kid goes to boarding school. Cheap one. The rest of the money’s mine.”
Emily covered her mouth as tears streamed down her face.
“That recording is illegal!” Daniel shouted.
Judge Collins raised her gavel. “Sit down. Now.”
Lucas looked straight at his father.
“A real parent doesn’t call their child a ‘problem,’” he said quietly. “And they don’t try to lock them away for money.”
The judge reviewed the evidence in silence.
After a long moment, she spoke.
“The custody request is denied,” she said firmly. “Additionally, this court orders a full investigation into potential financial fraud related to the trust.”
The room erupted.
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