Chapter 15 - THE TRAPThursday afternoon.
Rain hammered against the penthouse windows.
Then came a knock.
Three police officers stood outside.
Two Child Protective Services agents stood behind them.
The lead officer held up a court order.
“Mrs. Vance, we're here regarding an emergency custody petition.”
Clara's heart stopped.
“What?”
The officer continued.
“There are allegations of child endangerment and maternal instability.”
Behind the building, news vans were already gathering.
Cameras waited.
Someone had tipped the press.
Julian looked through the window.
He saw reporters.
He understood immediately.
“This isn't a custody investigation.”
His voice became cold.
“It's a public execution.”
The CPS worker stepped forward.
“We need the child.”
Clara held Leo tighter.
Her fear returned.
For one terrible moment, she felt like the helpless woman in the mansion again.
Then she remembered something.
The security footage.
She looked at Julian.
May you like
He understood.
“Give me the remote.”
