Page 101 of No Greater Love
I stared at her, not understanding how this was happening or who had sent her, but knowing with absolute certainty that the cavalry had just arrived.
The question was: Would it be enough to save everything I'd fought eleven years to build?
thirty-seven
tasha
I watchedJudge Morrison’s expression tighten as Ms. Hayes settled in. Calculations were happening behind those eyes, silent and fast. He'd been caught red-handed invoking outdated legal doctrine, probably assuming he was dealing with an unrepresented father who wouldn't know better. Now he had a lawyer who clearlydidknow better, and his reputation was suddenly on the line.
Ms. Hayes leaned over to confer with Nate, her voice too low to hear, but I could see Nate's shoulders straighten slightly as she spoke. Whatever she was telling him, it was giving him hope for the first time all morning.
"Your Honor," Ms. Hayes said, rising with the kind of fluid grace that suggested she'd done this a thousand times before, "I'd like to address several irregularities in today's proceedings, but first I believe we should hear from Ms. Davis herself. After all, she's asking this court to uproot a child from the only home she's ever known. Surely the court would benefit from understanding her motivations directly."
Judge Morrison looked like he'd rather eat glass, but he nodded curtly. "Ms. Davis, please take the stand."
Sarah stood, smoothing her designer blazer, her practiced smile flickering slightly. For the first time since this nightmare began, she didn't look completely in control.
Brad shot to his feet. "Your Honor, my client is prepared to answer questions, but?—"
"I'm sure she is, Mr. Kensington," Ms. Hayes said pleasantly. "This shouldn't take long."
Sarah was sworn in, settling into the witness chair with the kind of composed demeanor that probably worked well in business meetings. But I could see the tension in the way she gripped the armrests.
"Ms. Davis," Ms. Hayes began, consulting her notes, "you've presented yourself to this court as a reformed woman, ready to embrace motherhood. Is that accurate?"
"Yes, that's correct."
"And when did this transformation occur? This sudden desire to be a mother?"
Sarah's smile tightened almost imperceptibly. "It wasn't sudden. It's been a gradual process over several years."
"I see." Ms. Hayes pulled out a tablet, swiping to something that made her eyebrows rise slightly. "Interesting. Because according to the incorporation documents for VitalFlow Therapeutics—that's your company, correct?—you founded it eighteen months ago."
"Yes."
"And you're currently seeking Series A funding for this venture?"
Brad was on his feet. "Your Honor, I fail to see the relevance?—"
"I'm establishing timeline and motivation, Your Honor," Ms. Hayes said smoothly. "I'll connect it momentarily."
Judge Morrison waved Brad down. "Continue, counselor."
"Thank you." Ms. Hayes turned back to Sarah. "Now, Ms. Davis, as part of your funding efforts, you've created extensive marketing materials, haven't you? Press releases, website content, investor presentations?"
"Standard business practice," Sarah said, her voice still steady, but I caught the slight tightness around her eyes.
"Of course." Ms. Hayes consulted her tablet again. "In fact, you've been quite vocal about your personal life in these materials. Would you like me to read some examples?"
Sarah's knuckles went white against the witness chair. "That won't be necessary."
"Oh, but I think it will be." Ms. Hayes's voice remained pleasant, but there was steel underneath. "Quote: 'As a devoted mother, I understand the importance of family balance in achieving true wellness.' End quote. That's from your website's About section, published six months ago."
I felt my stomach drop. Sarah had been using Paige as a marketing tool while fighting for custody.
"Another quote," Ms. Hayes continued relentlessly. "From your press release announcing your Series A funding round, dated two weeks ago: 'VitalFlow's mission is deeply personal to me. Every innovation we pursue is driven by my desire to create a better world for my daughter.' End quote."
Sarah's practiced composure was cracking. "I don't see what?—"
