Chapter 4 - The Money TrailThe next morning, Emily checked the bank accounts.
The savings should have contained almost twenty-two thousand dollars.
There was $3,406.
Ryan had been moving money for months.
Then she found a $38,000 withdrawal from their home-equity line.
The betrayal became financial as well as emotional.
Claire told her:
“Bring me everything.”
At court, Ryan arrived in a navy suit.
Calm.
Polished.
Almost innocent.
Until the judge watched the kitchen footage.
Then came Karen's testimony.
She admitted Linda paid her $2,000.
The judge's expression hardened.
Temporary primary custody remained with Emily.
Ryan's visitation became supervised.
Linda was ordered to stay away.
As Emily left the courtroom, Ryan called after her.
“You still don't know why Mom wanted Noah.”
Emily stopped.
May you like
Ryan smiled.
“This was never just about custody.”
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