“Regarding the minor child, Joy,” Judge Myers said, looking down at me.

“The genetic evidence is conclusive, and the medical fraud is absolute.”

“This court awards sole legal and physical custody of the child to her biological mother, Claire Bennett.”

“The child is to be turned over to her mother immediately upon the conclusion of this hearing.”

Samuel reached out and touched my arm, his grip firm and reassuring.

“We did it, Claire,” he whispered.

I nodded, my throat too tight to speak.

But Judge Myers was not finished; she looked at Margaret Lawson.

Margaret remained seated, her spine perfectly straight, her chin tilted upward.

“Mrs. Lawson,” the judge said, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper.

“You used your wealth to manipulate clinic staff, falsify medical documents, and hide a child.”

“You attempted to destroy the server logs at Westbridge Fertility Clinic to cover your tracks.”

“That is a felony,” the judge said.

“It is a series of felonies, including grand theft, conspiracy, and destruction of evidence.”

Margaret raised her eyebrows, a thin, mocking smile touching her lips.