Chapter 13 - Handcuffs and the Fall of an Empire
Judge Bennett slammed his gavel down with a thunderous crack.
"This court finds the emergency petition filed by Celeste Sterling to be wholly fraudulent, malicious, and built upon criminal enterprise!" Judge Bennett declared. "Full, immediate, and sole legal and physical custody of the minor child, Emma, is awarded to her biological mother, Elena Vance, with joint guardianship granted to Jonathan Sterling!"
Elena wept with overwhelming relief, clutching Emma to her chest.
The courtroom doors opened again, and federal marshals led in a battered, handcuffed Richard Sterling.
Special Agent Miller walked over to Celeste and snapped steel handcuffs around her wrists. "Celeste Sterling, you are under arrest for conspiracy to commit kidnapping, wire fraud, and grand larceny."
Flashbulbs illuminated Celeste’s face as she was paraded out in chains. As she passed Emma, she paused, tears of bitter defeat running down her cheeks.
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Emma held Jonathan’s hand in one grip and Elena’s in the other.
"Goodbye, Aunt Celeste," Emma said softly.
