Chapter 13 - The Corporate Showdown
The police arrived in the garage, swarming Marcus and reading him his rights. Julian’s high-priced lawyers had already provided the security footage of Marcus attempting to strike Maya, sealing the abusive uncle’s fate.
Julian carried Leo in one arm and held Maya’s hand with the other as they walked back into the main lobby. The press had gathered outside the glass doors, flashing cameras illuminating the rainy Chicago street.
Child Protective Services workers were standing near the reception desk, looking stern and official.
"Mr. Vance," a female CPS agent said, stepping forward with a clipboard. "We are here to take custody of the children."
"That won't be necessary," Julian said, his lawyers flanking him like a heavily armed battalion. "As I stated earlier, I am their legal kinship guardian. My lawyers have just received the signed emergency custody order from Judge Hawthorne."
The lead lawyer handed the CPS agent a thick stack of legal documents, stamped and sealed by the state.
"You pushed this through in an hour?" the agent asked, stunned by the sheer power of billionaire logistics.
"I am a very motivated man," Julian replied coldly. "Furthermore, the children's previous guardian, Marcus Thorne, has just been arrested for felony assault and child endangerment in my parking garage. The children are safe with me."
The CPS agent reviewed the paperwork, finding no loopholes. She sighed, nodding slowly. "We will need to conduct home visits, Mr. Vance. This isn't over."
"My doors are always open to the state," Julian lied smoothly.
May you like
He looked down at Maya. The terror that had gripped her face for the past 24 hours was finally melting away, replaced by profound exhaustion and disbelief.
"Come on," Julian said softly. "Let's go home."
