Richard Sterling tried to smile, but his jaw remained locked tight.
Richard: This is just a private household matter, Arthur.
Richard: My former employee is suffering from a mental breakdown.
Elena: I am completely sane, and you know every word is true!
Elena stepped toward Judge Vance while holding her young son tight.
Elena: He forced me to sign full custody papers when my father was dying.
Elena: He used his vast legal team to lock me into a non-disclosure contract.
Elena: Then he hired me as an anonymous maid so I could see Oliver grow up.
Judge Vance narrowed his eyes as he processed the serious legal implications.
Arthur: Coercion and unfair leverage nullify civil custody contracts in this state.
Arthur: If what you say is true, this agreement will not hold in court.
Clarissa gasped loudly and turned her frantic gaze toward her husband.
Clarissa: Do something, Richard! Send her away right now!
Richard: Get off my property immediately, Elena!
Elena: I am not leaving my son behind ever again!
The surrounding guests began whispering loudly about the cruel behavior.
Several prominent business leaders pulled their business cards out and walked away.
The Sterling family reputation was falling apart right on the marble floor.
Judge Vance took out his personal phone from his jacket pocket.
Arthur: My law firm will represent this young mother for free starting today.
Arthur: We will review the entire custody contract in court tomorrow morning.
Elena felt a massive wave of relief wash over her trembling body.
Tears of real hope replaced the bitter tears of fear on her cheeks.
She looked down at little Oliver, who had stopped crying completely.
The boy looked up at her face and touched her cheek with his small hand.
Oliver: Stay, Mommy?
Elena: I am staying right here with you, my love.