Chapter 4
The line was quiet for three long seconds before Arthur spoke in a low, serious tone from his Boston office.
"Ethan, listen to me very carefully," Arthur warned, the sound of rustling legal paperwork audible over the receiver.
"Victoria's legal team filed an ex-parte petition in New York Family Court late yesterday afternoon."
Ethan felt his blood run cold as he gripped the edge of his mahogany desk.
"What kind of petition?" Ethan demanded, his heart hammering against his ribs like a sledgehammer.
"They filed an emergency claim alleging that you are suffering from severe psychological instability following your wife's death," Arthur revealed.
"They submitted medical reports signed by a private psychiatrist stating that you are an unfit guardian for Lily."
"That's a complete lie!" Ethan shouted, slamming his fist down onto the wooden desk surface.
"I have never seen a psychiatrist in my life, Arthur!"
"It doesn't matter if it's a lie, Ethan," Arthur explained grimly.
"The signature on those medical evaluations belongs to Dr. Julian Vance, a high-ranking board member at Columbia Presbyterian."
"Victoria didn't just plan to send Lily away; she set a legal trap to strip you of your parental rights entirely."
Ethan turned to look at the living room, where Lily was sitting peacefully on the rug, drawing pictures with her crayons.
May you like
He realized with terrifying clarity that the wedding was never meant to unite their families.
It was designed as a distraction while Victoria and her co-conspirators executed a legal takeover of his entire life.
