Chapter 11 - THE COUNTER-ATTACK
Jonathan walked around his mahogany desk, stopping inches away from the arrogant attorney.
"Maria underwent a level-four federal background check before she ever stepped foot in this house," Jonathan stated.
"And my brother Charles is a convicted felon barred from coming within five hundred yards of my son," he added.
Arthur smiled thinly, placing a sealed manila envelope onto the glossy wooden desk surface.
"The court hearing is scheduled for nine o'clock tomorrow morning in Manhattan," Arthur said, turning to leave.
"If you fail to appear, a federal marshal will be dispatched to seize the infant immediately."
Jonathan picked up the envelope, his jaw clenching tightly as he watched the lawyer exit the library.
He turned to Maria, who was standing in the doorway with tears of fear welling up in her dark eyes.
"Will they take Thomas away from us, Mr. Sterling?" Maria whimpered, holding the baby tightly to her chest.
May you like
"Never," Jonathan promised, his voice ringing with absolute, unyielding authority. "Over my dead body."
***
