Page 61 of Love on the Edge
Margo stiffens.
Ryan doesn’t blink. “Mrs. Crosse, do you still believe Ethan is the reason Cassidy doesn’t want to see you?”
Silence.
Ryan leans in slightly. “Would you like to hear more?”
Margo looks away.
Ryan smirks. “No further questions.”
Callum stands, straightening his suit, preparing for his final attempt to sway the judge.
"Your Honor, what we have here is a clear case of parental alienation. Ethan Crosse not only moved another woman into his daughter’s life but actively encouraged Cassidy to see Ms. Blaze as her mother, replacing my client in the process."
He walks to the screen, clicking to display images taken from social media.
"These are public photos of Cassidy attending skating events with Ms. Blaze. This is Cassidy at a family dinner—with Ms. Blaze by her side. And here—" he clicks again, showing a still from Margo’s viral video, "—is the moment Mrs. Crosse walked back into her daughter’s life, only to find another woman had taken her place."
Margo dabs at her eyes for effect.
Callum presses forward. "We also have proof that Valeria Blaze’s presence in Mr. Crosse’s life has damaged her reputation—because deep down, even her sponsors saw this for what it is: inappropriate. We have statements from representatives of brands that pulled out of sponsorship deals, citing moral concerns and public backlash."
He turns to the judge.
"Your Honor, what kind of example does this set for Cassidy? A father prioritizing a romantic relationship over his own child? A woman benefiting from scandal? My client simply wants what was stolen from her: her place as Cassidy’s mother." Callum sits, smug.
The judge nods. "Mr. Crosse, your response?"
Ryan stands, unbothered, adjusting his tie. He approaches the bench with calm precision, placing a thick folder of documents onto the table. "Your Honor, if we’re here to discuss parental alienation, let’s talk about the parent who did the alienating—Margo Crosse."
He clicks a remote. Text messages appear on the screen. "These are messages from Margo Crosse to various friends, stating—word for word—her desire to be free of her responsibilities as a mother."
The messages fill the screen:
"I hope this kid grows up fast so I don’t have to deal with her anymore."
"Ethan can raise her. I didn’t ask for this life."
"She’s so needy. I don’t have time for that. She’s better off with Ethan."
A hush spreads across the courtroom.
Margo shifts in her seat, lips pressing together.
Ryan doesn’t stop. "These aren’t statements of a devoted mother, Your Honor. These are words from a woman who never wanted to be a mother in the first place."
He clicks again. Financial records appear.
"These documents show that, despite earning a significant income from her music career, Mrs. Crosse has not provided a single financial contribution toward Cassidy’s care since she left."
Callum shifts uncomfortably.
Ryan takes a step closer, voice sharp. "She didn’t pay for school. She didn’t pay for clothes, food, medical expenses. Nothing. In fact, Your Honor, the only thing she’s contributed to Cassidy’s life in the last eight months—is a lawsuit."
Margo exhales sharply, shaking her head, but Ryan isn’t finished.
"And as for my opposing counsel’s argument about sponsorship loss? Let’s talk about reputation damage."
