Chapter 5 - Margaret’s Counter-Strike
Margaret’s face turned ash-grey as the video concluded. Caleb frantically shuffled his papers, his hands trembling violently.
"Your Honor! That footage is an invasion of privacy—" Caleb stammered.
"Sit down, Mr. Whitmore!" Judge Alexander barked. He glared down at Margaret and Caleb. "This court sees no evidence of instability from the mother. What I do see is a coordinated attempt at physical coercion and falsification of legal documents."
The judge slammed his gavel down again. "The motion for emergency custody is DENIED with prejudice. Furthermore, I am issuing an immediate temporary restraining order against Margaret Whitmore and Caleb Whitmore. They are to remain at least 500 yards away from Claire Bennett, Ryan Whitmore, and the infant."
As the gallery erupted into whispers, Margaret leaned over the railing, her composure completely shattered. "You think you're clever, Claire?" she hissed under her breath as Claire walked past her. "This isn't over. You won't live to see the end of this month."
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Ryan stepped in front of his mother, his eyes cold as ice. "If you threaten my wife again, Mother, I won't wait for the court. I will destroy Whitmore Global myself."
That evening, a dark sedan followed Claire and Ryan's car on their way back to the penthouse. It was clear Margaret was getting desperate. She wasn't just fighting for custody anymore—she was fighting to cover up a criminal empire that was rapidly unraveling.
