The judge was already at the bench when we entered.

The room was nearly empty now, the spectators having cleared out, leaving only the court reporters and the legal teams.

Margaret sat at the defense table, her lawyer whispering frantically into her ear.

She looked small now, the illusion of her wealth and power stripped away by the handcuffs hidden beneath her coat.

The judge cleared her throat, her voice echoing in the high-ceilinged room.

“Having reviewed the supplemental evidence presented by the plaintiff, including the physical ledger and the arrest reports from the municipal airport,” the judge said.

“This court finds that the biological maternal connection between Claire Bennett and the minor child, Chloe Lawson, is established beyond any reasonable doubt.”

“Furthermore, the court finds that the child’s current legal guardians obtained custody through fraudulent and criminal means.”

The judge looked directly at Margaret.

“The behavior of the defendants in this case represents a grotesque abuse of medical science and legal privilege.”

“Effective immediately, the parental rights of Ethan Lawson and the custodial rights of Margaret Lawson are terminated.”