I looked at Richard, my eyes wide with panic.

“That was five years ago,” I whispered. “I went there for grief counseling after my father died. It was voluntary.”

“That is not what the official evaluation states,” Margaret said. “The documents we have signed by Dr. Sterling state that you were admitted under severe postpartum psychosis, with tendencies toward self-harm and neglect of your children.”

“That’s a lie,” I screamed, my composure shattering. “I never had psychosis! Dr. Sterling was your personal physician!”

“He was,” Margaret said. “And his signature is on the psychiatric evaluation. Along with a recommendation that you be placed under permanent medical supervision.”

“You fabricated it,” Richard said, his voice deep and dangerous. “You bribed a doctor to falsify medical records.”

“Prove it, Mr. Bennett,” Margaret said. “But while you are trying to do that, Thomas is filing an emergency petition for custody of Olivia, Grace, and Lily.”

My hand flew to my mouth.

“No,” I sobbed. “You can’t.”

“A judge will not leave three young girls with an unstable mother who has a documented history of severe mental illness,” Margaret said. “Not when their wealthy, stable grandmother is offering them a safe home.”