Chapter 17 - THE LAST MOVEBut Diane had one final weapon.
She stood before the judge.
"I did everything because I love my family."
Then she looked directly at me.
"You stole my son."
I didn't answer.
"You stole my granddaughter."
Still, I said nothing.
Then Diane's voice softened.
"And one day, Lila, she'll know what you did."
That was when I finally stood.
"No."
The courtroom became silent.
"You don't get to rewrite this."
I looked at Diane.
"You didn't lose your son because of me."
"You lost him because you hurt him."
"You didn't lose your granddaughter because of me."
"You lost her because you chose control over love."
Diane's face cracked.
For the first time, she looked small.
Human.
Afraid.
The judge ruled.
Diane was denied custody and visitation.
The criminal investigation would continue.
And a permanent protective order was issued.
As officers approached her, Diane looked at me.
I expected rage.
Instead, she whispered:
"I never wanted you."
I looked at Ryan.
Then at Olivia.
And smiled.
May you like
"That's okay."
"I never needed you."
