They sat at the opposite table without making eye contact with us.

The judge, a stern woman named Judge Vance, entered and took her seat on the bench.

“We are here to resolve the emergency custody petition and the preliminary divorce terms for Emma Parker and Ryan Parker,” Judge Vance said, adjusting her glasses.

Ryan’s lead attorney, a tall man with slicked-back hair, stood up.

“Your Honor, my client is a loving father who wishes to have joint legal and physical custody of his son,” the attorney said. “The mother is attempting to alienate the child based on a temporary medical misunderstanding.”

Helen stood up immediately, her voice cutting through the room.

“A medical misunderstanding, Your Honor?” Helen asked.

She walked over to the podium and placed a thick stack of papers on the clerk’s desk.

“These are the certified medical records from St. Catherine’s Medical Center,” Helen said.

“Mrs. Parker suffered a grade-four postpartum hemorrhage and nearly died.”

“While she was in surgery, her husband was at a luxury resort, ignoring emergency calls from the surgical team.”

Ryan shifted in his leather chair, looking down at his manicured hands.