Chapter 11: The Courthouse Steps
The imposing granite facade of the Manhattan Family Court building loomed under a clearing afternoon sky as Eleanor’s black sedan pulled up to the curb. Flashbulbs popped instantly from a cluster of reporters and paparazzi who had somehow caught wind of the unfolding scandal involving Dr. Harrison and the high-society adoption cover-up. Eleanor shielded Julian and Leo with her beige trench coat, keeping their heads down as Marcus and two private security guards formed a protective wedge through the media storm.
"Mom, what are they doing?" Leo asked nervously, clutching the edge of Eleanor's coat as a microphone was thrust toward his face.
"Just keep walking, sweetie. Look at me," Eleanor instructed calmly, her voice a steady anchor amidst the chaotic shouting of journalists asking about the St. Jude's hospital scandal.
They slipped through the heavy glass doors into the security checkpoint, leaving the clamor of the press behind in the chilly autumn air. Inside, the courthouse was a labyrinth of marble hallways, quiet waiting areas, and solemn courtroom doors. Judge Sterling’s chambers were located on the fourth floor, away from the general public dockets.
Standing outside the courtroom doors were the attorneys representing the wealthy family who had originally purchased Leo’s adoption six years prior. A tall, sharply dressed man in an expensive charcoal suit stood with his arms crossed, glaring coldly at Eleanor as she approached with the two boys in tow.
"Mrs. Vance," the opposing attorney said, his voice dripping with condescension. "My clients are prepared to make this a very long, very public trial. Reversing a legal adoption decree is nearly impossible, regardless of your sensationalist claims."
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Eleanor stopped, looking the lawyer dead in the eye without a trace of fear. "Your clients bought a human being, counsel. And then they threw him in the trash when he became inconvenient. You can threaten me with all the legal paperwork money can buy, but inside that courtroom, we are going to talk about child abandonment and fraud. I suggest you advise your clients to settle before the judge reads Dr. Harrison’s confession."
The lawyer’s smug expression flickered for a fraction of a second before he turned on his heel and walked into the courtroom. Marcus gave Eleanor an approving nod, opening the heavy oak door for them to enter.
