“There is no investigation, Officer,” Vance said. “This is a domestic misunderstanding.”

“My client is currently out of the country on a pre-planned family vacation.”

“He has left ample provisions for his family, and his mother has merely sought to ensure the child’s legal protection.”

I couldn’t stay quiet any longer.

“He locked me in the house, Harold,” I said, my voice shaking but clear.

“He took my car keys, he disabled the security system, and he left Rowan to starve in the heat.”

“The police have the video.”

Vance’s eyes flickered, a brief shadow of doubt crossing his face before his professional mask slipped back into place.

“Any video evidence will be contested in court, Marissa,” he said smoothly.

“For now, I have a petition signed by Landon requesting emergency custody due to your postpartum instability.”

“You belong in a psychiatric facility, not managing a fragile newborn.”

Officer Harris took a step closer to the attorney, his posture rigid.

“I suggest you turn around and walk out of this hospital right now, counselor,” Harris said.