Two security guards stood outside the neonatal intensive care unit.

Next to them stood a tall man in a grey suit holding a leather briefcase.

He was talking to the head nurse, who looked pale and shaken.

“You cannot do this,” the nurse said, her voice trembling. “These babies are not stable enough for transport.”

“I have a signed court order from Judge Miller,” the man in the suit replied.

He tapped a document in his hand.

“The father has authorized immediate transfer to a private facility.”

“Over my dead body,” I said, stepping between him and the double doors.

My body still ached from the emergency delivery, and my knees felt weak under my coat.

The lawyer turned to look at me, his expression cold and professional.

“Mrs. Holloway, I suggest you step aside.”

Margaret stepped forward, her heels clicking loudly on the linoleum.

“I am Margaret Voss, counsel for Clara Holloway and the Holloway Family Trust.”

She snatched the paper from the lawyer’s hand.

She scanned it, her eyes narrowing.

“This is an ex parte order obtained through gross misrepresentation,” Margaret said.