“She’s lying!” he shouted, his voice cracking under the strain.

“She planned the entire restructuring! She’s protecting herself!”

“Mr. Prescott, sit down,” Judge Mallory said, her voice dropping to a dangerous, quiet register.

“I will not warn you again.”

The marshals behind Callum stepped forward, their hands resting near their utility belts.

Callum’s attorney grabbed his arm, pulling him back down into his seat.

Callum glared at me, his chest heaving as he muttered something under his breath.

I kept my face perfectly still, refusing to show him the fear that had controlled me for so long.

Judge Mallory tapped her pen against the wooden bench.

“Based on the evidence presented, including the signed affidavit and the pending federal charges against the respondent, this court finds a substantial risk to the well-being of the unborn child,” she said.

“The respondent’s motion for emergency custody is denied.”

A soft murmur rose from the gallery, and several reporters began writing furiously on their tablets.

“Furthermore,” Judge Mallory continued, “I am issuing a temporary restraining order.”

“Mr. Prescott is to have no contact, direct or indirect, with Avery Prescott pending the resolution of his criminal trial.”