The text was from an unknown number, but the words were clear.

*Emergency custody petition filed for Leo, Owen, and Wyatt. Hearing set for tomorrow morning, 9:00 AM. They are demanding immediate physical transfer.*

My thumbs trembled as I stared at the screen.

I looked up at Vivian, whose face had gone from pale panic to a cold, triumphant sneer.

She smoothed the front of her designer knit jacket.

“You didn’t think I would let you ruin this family without a fight, did you, Clara?” Vivian said.

Her voice was quiet, but it cut through the sound of the rain outside.

The deputy sheriff stepped further into the warm hallway, his boots leaving wet, muddy tracks on the hardwood floor.

“Ma’am,” the deputy said, looking at me. “I need you to sign this acknowledgment of service.”

Marcus stepped between me and the deputy, his arm outstretched.

“Let me see those papers, Officer,” Marcus said.

His voice was steady, but I could see the muscle jumping in his jaw.

He snatched the wet packet of documents from the deputy’s gloved hand.