Chapter 12: Shaking the Family Tree

The consultation with their lawyer, Rebecca Vance, was a reality check. “Your mother’s lawyer is Arthur Pendelton,” Rebecca said, tapping her pen on her desk. “He’s a shark. He specializes in high-conflict family law. He’s going to paint Lauren as a reclusive, mentally fragile woman who is alienating the child from a loving grandmother. We need to counter-attack immediately.” “How?” Ethan asked, holding Lauren’s hand tightly across the desk.

“We need witnesses,” Rebecca said. “People who can testify to Lauren’s excellent parenting, and more importantly, people who can testify to Patricia’s toxic, controlling behavior. We need family members who will stand up in court against her.” That evening, Ethan made a list. The Miller family had always fallen in line under Patricia’s reign. Calling them would be a minefield. He started with his Aunt Clara—the same aunt who had screamed at him months ago. “Ethan,” Clara answered, her tone defensive. “If you’re calling to complain about your mother—” “Clara, did you know Patricia hired a private investigator to stalk my three-year-old son?” Ethan cut her off, his voice dropping into a dangerous register. Silence stretched over the line. “What?” Clara faltered. “She filed for custody, Clara.

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