“He said if the babies were under his sole physical care, the trust administrators would have to release the emergency funds.”

A murmur went through the small room.

“And what were his plans for the children once those funds were released?” Margaret asked.

Vanessa took a deep breath. She did not look at Grant now.

“He had already contacted a private care agency in Switzerland.”

“He planned to send them there permanently.”

“He said they were just a financial tool.”

“He didn’t want to raise them.”

“He just needed their names on the trust documents to pay off his debts.”

The courtroom was dead silent.

I felt a tear slip down my cheek, hot and stinging.

My sweet, fragile babies were nothing but pawns to him.

“You lying bitch!” Grant roared.

He slammed his hands on the table and stood up.

“Your Honor, she is lying to save herself!”

“Mr. Holloway, sit down immediately or I will have you removed by the bailiff,” the judge said.

The bailiff stepped forward, his hand resting on his holster.

Grant slowly sat back down, his chest heaving.