Chapter 5 - The Legal Ambush
Two days later, the storm finally hit. Elena was in the living room when the heavy oak doors of the mansion were pushed open. Nathan was at the office, handling the fallout of his mother’s sudden departure. Elena stood up as three men in sharp, expensive suits walked in. Leading them was Marcus, Victoria’s ruthless personal attorney. “Mrs. Sterling,” Marcus said smoothly, offering a fake smile. “You are trespassing,” Elena said, her voice shaking but her posture straight. “Security is supposed to keep you out.” Marcus chuckled, waving a piece of paper. “Security works for the estate. And we have a court order.” He handed the document to Elena. It was an emergency custody injunction. Victoria had filed a massive lawsuit, claiming Elena was severely mentally unstable. She had paid off doctors to write fake psychological profiles. She had bribed the former housekeeping staff to testify that Elena was abusive to the baby. “My client is demanding immediate, temporary physical custody of the child,” Marcus declared. “Child Protective Services is waiting outside.” “Hand over the boy, Elena. Or they will take him by force.” Tears welled up in Elena’s eyes. She looked out the massive bay windows and saw the flashing lights of a police cruiser. They had trapped her. Victoria had weaponized the entire legal system against a mother. “No,” Elena said, backing away toward the stairs. “You are lying. These papers are based on lies!” “That’s for a judge to decide,” Marcus said coldly. He snapped his fingers, and two CPS agents walked through the front door. “Mrs. Sterling, please cooperate,” one of the agents said. “We just need to take the baby for a temporary medical evaluation.” Elena was backed against the wall. She held Leo so tightly, praying for a miracle. She reached for her phone in her pocket, dialing Nathan’s number on speed dial. “Please,” she sobbed. “Just wait for my husband!” “We don't have time to wait,” Marcus sneered. “Take the child.” As the agents stepped forward, the front doors burst open again.
