Chapter 8 - The Verdict
The judge slammed her gavel down with a resounding crack that signaled the end of the nightmare.
"Effective immediately, sole legal and physical custody of Emma and Oliver Hale is granted exclusively to the father, Alexander Hale," the judge decreed. "Caroline Hale is ordered to maintain a distance of no less than one thousand feet from the children, their school, and their new residence. Permanent supervised visitation will only be considered after a mandatory, minimum two-year psychiatric rehabilitation program, to be monitored by this court."
Caroline’s poise completely evaporated. She stood up, screaming at her lawyers, her face contorting into the same ugly, terrifying mask Alexander had seen in the bedroom that fateful Friday night. "This is a setup! You can't do this to me! I am a luxury brand! My family will ruin all of you!"
The bailiffs quickly stepped in, handcuffing Caroline and leading her out of the courtroom as she raved and cursed.
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Alexander collapsed into his chair, a massive, crushing weight finally lifting from his chest. Marcus put a supportive hand on his shoulder. "You did it, Alexander. They're safe. They're yours."
Alexander wiped a tear from his eye, standing up. "Let's go home. To our real home."
