Hiding The Billionaire's Son After Divorce のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 21 - チャプター 30

Valeria's POVThe world seemed to tilt sideways. My heart dropped into my stomach and my hands started shaking so badly I almost dropped the phone. "When?" I whispered. "When is the hearing?""In two days."Two days. I couldn't breathe. The car suddenly felt too small, too cramped. Two days wasn't enough time. It wasn't enough time to prepare or think or figure out how to fight this. How was I supposed to be ready in two days?"Valeria?" Lillian's voice cut through the panic spiraling in my chest. "Are you still there?""Yes." I forced the word out. "I'm here.""Listen to me carefully, everything is going to be fine. I'll prepare all the documents we need and I'll come by your place soon for a briefing before the hearing. We're going to be ready for this, I promise. Do you understand?"I nodded even though she couldn't see me, my throat too tight to speak properly. "Okay. Thank you, Lillian.""Don't worry," she said again. "We've got this. I'll call you later to set up a time to meet.

Valeria's POVI sighed and pulled out a chair, sitting down reluctantly. "Fine. But just a little."Elliot beamed at me and immediately started piling food onto my plate, far more than I could possibly finish. I managed to get down half a piece of toast and some fruit, forcing each bite past the anxiety sitting in my throat. My father and Elliot kept on talking about the science project, which helped distract me somewhat.By the time we finished, it was time to leave. The driver was already waiting outside. I helped Elliot into his jacket while my father grabbed his briefcase and phone. The three of us headed out to the car together, Elliot chattering away about something he'd seen on a nature documentary while I tried to keep my breathing steady.The drive to the courthouse was insufferable, because my mind kept tormenting me. I kept fiddling with my phone, my hands restless. My father sat beside me, always calm in that way he was before important business meetings. Elliot was in the

Valeria’s POV"Your Honor, I'm begging you," I appealed, my voice breaking slightly. "Please see the truth here. I'm a mother who wants nothing more than to protect her child at all costs. I've given Elliot a good life, a safe life. Please don't take him away from me."I sat back down, my hands trembling. Lillian reached over and squeezed my arm supportively.Judge Morrison looked at Luka. "Mr. Thorne, would you like to respond to these allegations?"Luka shot up from his seat so fast his chair scraped loudly against the floor. "Your Honor, this is complete nonsense! She's lying through her teeth!""Mr. Thorne, please control yourself," Judge Morrison warned sternly."How can I control myself when she's standing there making me out to be some kind of monster?" Luka's voice was rising, his face flushed with anger. "Everything she's saying is manipulation! She's trying to gain sympathy by painting me as the villain, just like she's been doing to our son for six years!""Mr. Thorne, sit

Valeria's POVThe moment we stepped out of the courtroom, I knew something was wrong. The hallway was packed with so many people holding microphones, cameras and light boxes. Everyone was talking at once, and it was unnecessarily crowded, far more than it should have been for a custody hearing. They all turned to our direction as soon as we emerged from the courtroom, and for a second everyone froze. Then the scramble started. I cursed under my breath.Goddamn reporters. This was the last thing Eliott needed. "Ms. Daelmont! Can you comment on the custody battle?""Is it true you kept your son hidden from his father for six years?""Ms. Daelmont, look this way!"The voices came at me from all sides. It was overwhelming and suffocating. I was having a hard time breathing, or seeing. Everything blurred into each other. Camera flashes went off in quick successions, making me squint. Elliot pressed closer to my side, his small hand gripping mine tightly. I could feel him trembling.My f

Valeria's POV"Do you really think so?" I asked, desperately wanting to believe her."I do," Lillian said firmly. "We presented a strong case today. The evidence is on our side. Elliot's records, his achievements, the statements from his teachers and doctor. It is very good evidence that your child is thriving under your care. That's what matters most to the judge."My father leaned over so he was visible in the phone. "Ms. Wilmer, I want to commend you on your performance today. My daughter is lucky to have you representing her."Lillian's face lit up at the praise. "Thank you, Mr. Daelmont. That means a lot coming from you. I promise you both, I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure we win this case. Valeria deserves to keep her son and I'm going to make sure that happens."My father smiled, warmly. "I appreciate your dedication, Ms. Wilmer. And I want you to know that your efforts won't go unrecognized, you will be paid handsomely even above the original amount, if it i