“And we certainly do not allow our name to be dragged through the mud by paid opportunists.”

She looked at me with pure disdain.

“You should have taken the settlement when you had the chance, Emily.”

“Now you’ll leave this building with nothing.”

“Not even your daughter.”

My heart hammered against my ribs like a trapped bird.

I tightened my grip on Rosie, my knuckles turning white.

“I’m not going anywhere without her,” I said, my voice barely a whisper but fierce.

Vanessa Hale took a half-step forward, looking between Grant and me.

“Grant,” she murmured, her voice tight.

“The press is already downstairs.”

“Is this really necessary?”

“Be quiet, Vanessa,” Evelyn said without looking at her.

Vanessa’s face flushed red, and she stepped back, her lips pressed into a thin line.

The heavy oak doors of Courtroom 3B opened.

A bailiff stepped out, holding a clipboard.

“Whitmore versus Carter,” he called out, his voice echoing in the hallway.

“Please step inside.”

Grant smirked at me, gesturing toward the door.

“After you, Emily,” he said.

Nathan didn’t hesitate.

He walked forward, guiding me past Grant and Evelyn.