“The allegations of neglect are serious.”

My heart sank into my throat.

Grant’s attorney, a tall, imposing man named Richard Vance, stood up.

“Your Honor, we would like to call our first witness,” Vance said.

“We call Evelyn Whitmore to the stand.”

Evelyn stood up gracefully and walked to the witness box.

She swore the oath, her voice steady and clear.

“Mrs. Whitmore,” Vance began, walking slowly toward her. “Please describe your relationship with your granddaughter.”

“Rosie is the light of our lives,” Evelyn said, smiling warmly at the judge.

“Our family has always provided a supportive, deeply nurturing environment for her.”

I gripped the edge of the wooden table until my knuckles turned white.

“And what are your concerns regarding the child’s current living situation?” Vance asked.

Evelyn sighed, a delicate sound of practiced sorrow.

“It has been incredibly difficult to watch,” Evelyn said.

“Emily has isolated the child from us for years.”

“She has kept Rosie in a cramped, unstable apartment, refusing our financial help.”

“My son has tried repeatedly to be a part of his daughter’s life, but Emily blocks him at every turn.”