Chapter 22 - The Custody Hearing
Before Victoria could investigate Founder Two, Grant filed an emergency custody petition.
He claimed Brooke had become unstable and Arthur had no biological right to the twins. He presented himself as the only parent capable of providing security.
Brooke appeared voluntarily at the hearing.
Grant’s attorney accused her of hiding the children and attempting to manipulate Meridian’s ownership.
Brooke admitted many of her lies.
She admitted deceiving Arthur, hiding the twins’ paternity and accepting money from Grant.
Then she revealed the agreement Grant had forced her to sign before the children were born.
It required her to name Arthur as the father.
Grant wanted the twins placed inside Arthur and Victoria’s marriage because any future inheritance could be challenged through them.
Arthur’s financial weakness made him useful.
Victoria’s wealth made the plan valuable.
Grant denied the document.
Evelyn produced banking records showing the payment Brooke received the same day.
The judge refused Grant’s custody request.
Brooke remained under supervision, while Arthur continued caring for the twins until a long-term arrangement could be established.
Grant lost control for the first time.
As he left the courtroom, he moved close to Victoria.
“You believe this is over because she confessed?”
“It is over when the children are no longer part of your strategy.”
Grant smiled coldly.
“You still don’t understand. The children were never the strategy.”
“What were they?”
“A clock.”
That afternoon, Meridian’s share price began falling.
Someone had released the employee files.
But several documents were false.
They made it appear that Victoria had personally approved the collection of private medical information.
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The board called another vote.
This time, it would not be postponed.
