Chapter 9 - The Custody Battle Begins
The courthouse was a massive gray building in the city center. Eleanor walked through the metal detectors with Jessica by her side. Mark and his expensive lawyer were already in the hallway. Mark wore a tailored suit and tried to look confident. He smirked at Eleanor but she completely ignored him. They entered the courtroom and took their seats. The judge arrived and the heavy wooden doors were closed. Mark's lawyer immediately tried to paint Eleanor as a crazy runaway. He claimed she kidnapped the baby and needed psychiatric help. Jessica stood up and calmly presented the audio recording. The judge listened to the terrifying threats from Mark and Beatrice. The courtroom fell dead silent as the recording played. Mark's smirk completely vanished from his pale face. The judge looked down at him with extreme disgust. The battle was just beginning but Eleanor had the upper hand.
