Chapter 9: The Trial in Chambers
On Friday morning, Courtroom 3B was devoid of the public, but the air was suffocatingly heavy.
Judge Eleanor Vance sat at the bench, her sharp features framed by steel-grey hair. Across the aisle sat Victoria Van Der Bilt, flanked by two high-priced attorneys in bespoke suits.
Liam sat beside Sarah Sterling, with Clara seated in the first row of the gallery behind him.
The heavy oak doors to the judge’s private chambers opened, and Dr. Harrison, the court-appointed child psychologist, stepped out, looking grim.
""Your Honor,"" Dr. Harrison reported, ""the child, Maya Vance, is currently inside. She is composed, but given her history of selective mutism, I recommend a ninety-day observational placement at the St. Jude Pediatric Center before making a permanent custodial determination.""
Victoria’s attorney stood up immediately. ""We move for immediate provisional custody to Mrs. Van Der Bilt, Your Honor.""
""Wait,"" Liam spoke, rising from his chair.
""Mr. Vance, you must speak through counsel,"" Judge Vance warned.
""With all due respect, Your Honor,"" Liam said, his voice ringing with absolute authority, ""my daughter is not a medical case file. Before you sign an order separating her from her father, you owe her the dignity of listening to her yourself. In this courtroom.""
Judge Vance looked at Liam’s unwavering posture, then at Victoria’s smug expression.
May you like
""Bring the child in,"" the judge ordered.
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