He had used his own child as a bargaining chip.
“Natalie…” he whispered.
She didn’t respond.
The judge ordered the asset sales frozen.
A financial investigation was launched.
Child support was granted.
Natalie received primary custody.
Brandon would only receive supervised visitation until further notice.
Evelyn suddenly stood.
“She’s my granddaughter!”
Natalie finally looked at her.
“No. First she was ‘that child.’ Don’t claim her now because it’s convenient.”
The courtroom fell silent.
Vanessa testified next.
She confirmed the lies, the hidden transfers, and the pressure campaign designed to force Natalie into signing away her rights.
Outside the courtroom Brandon stopped Natalie.
“I lost everything.”
Natalie adjusted Sophie’s blanket.
“No. You lost what you tried to control.”
“I want to be her father.”
