Chapter 11: Breaking the Chain
When the court session resumed, Eleanor’s attorney pushed for immediate temporary custody. But before the judge could rule, Dustin spoke up.
""Your Honor,"" Dustin interrupted, ignoring his mother’s sharp, warning gasp. ""I wish to withdraw the petition for full custody.""
Eleanor turned to him, her eyes wide with fury. ""Dustin, sit down!""
""No, Mother,"" Dustin said, his voice rising, clear and firm for the first time in his life. ""Maya is a good mother. Cedar Cove is where Lily belongs. I will not allow my daughter to grow up afraid in my own home.""
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The room fell silent. The judge looked over his glasses at Dustin, then at Eleanor, whose face had gone pale with shock.
The judge approved a consent order: Maya was granted full legal and physical custody, with Dustin permitted supervised visits in Cedar Cove once he completed parental counseling.
