Chapter 7 - The Custody Claim|
"Let him in," I commanded.
Five minutes later, a sharply dressed man in a grey suit walked into my study, carrying a leather briefcase. He looked entirely unfazed by the four armed security guards hovering behind him.
"Ethan Callahan?" the lawyer asked, pulling a thick envelope from his briefcase. "My name is Arthur Vance. I represent an interested party regarding the welfare of your children."
I stared at him, my jaw tight. "What are you talking about?"
"An hour ago, an emergency petition was filed in Cook County Family Court," Vance said smoothly, placing the documents on my mahogany desk. "It alleges that your residence is an unsafe environment for infant children, citing severe neurological distress caused by security negligence."
My eyes narrowed into lethal slits. "You filed a court petition based on an incident that happened inside my house three hours ago? How do you even know about this?"
"My client has reason to believe that you are mentally unfit to care for triplets following the tragic death of your wife," Vance replied calmly, taking a step back. "A court-appointed social worker will arrive tomorrow morning to conduct an emergency welfare evaluation. If you fail to cooperate, an immediate removal order will be issued."
"Who is your client?!" I roared, slamming my palm down on the desk.
Vance offered a cold, professional smile.
"The petition was filed on behalf of your late wife’s sister," Vance revealed softly. "Victoria Vance."
I froze.
Victoria. Claire’s estranged, hyper-ambitious twin sister, who had cut ties with our family five years ago after Claire refused to sign over her share of the Callahan-Vance shipping empire.
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The pieces began shifting in my mind like a horrifying puzzle.
"Victoria," I whispered, realization striking me like a physical blow. "She didn't just want my children. She wanted a reason to prove I was unfit so she could claim Claire's trust fund."
