Chapter 9 - The Legal ShieldBy dawn, the quiet coastal house was filled with low-toned conversations and the quiet rustle of legal documents.
Evelyn Cross, a veteran family attorney known for her fierce representation in high-profile custody battles, examined the photos Julian had taken the night before. Alongside her was Dr. Aris, a private pediatrician who had just completed a thorough physical examination of Lily while she slept.
"The physical evidence is clear," Dr. Aris reported quietly, setting down his tablet. " Malnourishment indicators, soft tissue bruising consistent with forceful restraint, and severe psychological trauma. The child is terrified of eating near adults."
Evelyn shut her leather portfolio with a sharp snap. "This gives us an immediate ex-parte emergency custody order, Julian. But you need to prepare yourself. Victoria comes from the Vance family. Her father has deep political connections in the city. They won't let this slide quietly."
"I don't care who her father is," Julian said, sipping cold black coffee as he stared out the window at the gray ocean. "She tormented my daughter."
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"She will spin this," Evelyn warned. "She will claim you kidnapped Lily, that you are emotionally unstable, that your demanding job drove you to fabricate these allegations to ruin her reputation. The media will eat this alive."
Julian turned around, his eyes burning with intense determination. "Let them try. I built a multi-billion dollar firm from nothing by predicting my enemies' moves. Victoria thinks she can play dirty? She has no idea what I'm capable of."
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