Chapter 293
Hayes let out a short, condescending laugh. “Sole custody? In New York State? Ms. Carson, while not impossible, it’s an uphill battle. Unless you can directly prove Mr. Lancaster himself is an unfit parent, the courts typically favor joint custody.”
“I can prove negligence,” Isolde countered, her eyes locking onto Grayson. “I can prove he endangers her life by repeatedly leaving her in the care of an unfit guardian.”
Grayson slammed his hand flat on the table. The sound made Davis flinch.
“Belle is not unfit!” Grayson shouted.
“She broke her arm, Grayson!” Isolde shot back, her composure finally cracking to reveal the furious mother beneath. “She let her fall, and you weren’t there. You are never there!”
Hayes raised a hand, playing the peacemaker. “Accidents happen, Ms. Carson. A judge will see a tragic gym accident, not systemic abuse. That photo won’t hold up as definitive proof of malice. Furthermore, Mr. Lancaster was not present at the time of the incident. While unfortunate, direct culpability lies with Ms. Escobar, not with him. We can argue that he is a loving and engaged father providing a stable home.”
𝘙еа𝘥 𝘄i𝘵h𝘰𝗎t i𝗇𝘁𝗲𝗿ruр𝘵i𝗼𝗻𝗌 𝗈𝘯 𝗴al𝗇o𝘃e𝗹s.𝘤𝗈𝗆
Hayes reached into his briefcase. “However, my client is willing to compromise. We can offer modified custody — primary residential custody to you, with supervised visitation for Mr. Lancaster.”
Isolde narrowed her eyes. Grayson Lancaster giving up control? There was a catch.
“If,” Hayes said smoothly, “you sign this addendum.”
He produced a second, much thinner document — just three pages — and slid it across the table.
The header was printed in bold black letters: NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT REGARDING FAMILY MATTERS.
Isolde picked it up and scanned the dense legal language. The phrasing was vague, but the scope was sweeping. Her eyes caught on Section 4, Paragraph B — language forbidding the disclosure, discussion, or publication of any information regarding the biological lineage, parentage, or genetic history of any minor child residing within the Lancaster household prior to the date of the agreement.
Isolde looked up slowly. The pieces clicked into place.
“This is about Kaiden,” Isolde said.
Grayson stiffened. His jaw locked. “It’s a standard privacy protection clause for high-net-worth families.”
“Don’t insult my intelligence,” Isolde said, dropping the paper on the table. “You want me to keep your secret. You want me to sign a legal gag order swearing I will never tell the world that Kaiden isn’t adopted.”
Silence filled the room — heavy and suffocating. Even Hayes shifted uncomfortably in his expensive chair.
“You want me to hide the fact that he is your biological son,” Isolde continued, her voice dripping with disgust. “And Belle’s.”
“It protects everyone,” Grayson said, his voice tight. “Including Effie. If that scandal breaks, the press will hound us. SkyLine’s stock will tank. It will ruin the family.”
Isolde stared at him. She saw the absolute moral bankruptcy in his eyes.
“You are despicable,” Isolde whispered. “You are using my daughter’s safety to buy my silence about your bastard son.”
.
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