The courtroom was packed. Journalists, legal analysts, fashion enthusiasts, and even fellow scientists had gathered. This was no longer just a custody battle – it was a public reckoning.
Liz walked in confidently, dressed immaculately. Her eyes scanned the courtroom, hoping to spot a familiar little face. But Lila wasn't there. Again.
She clenched her fists.
Meanwhile...
Across the ocean, in a quiet countryside villa, Maria's daughter – Lila – was playing hide and seek with Sara's parents. Sara had followed Maria's secret instruction to the letter:
| "The moment Liz files anything, get my daughter on the jet. I don't want her anywhere near her. No manipulation. No psychological games. Nothing." |
Back in court, Liz tried to smile as her lawyer began with confidence.
"She is the biological mother. She has a right to be in the child's life."
Maria's lawyer stood up. Calm. Collected.
"Your Honor, may I submit into evidence documents signed by Liz Runbert six years ago–documents in which she waived all future parental claims over any biological child born from the IVF process."
Gasps spread like wildfire.
Liz's lawyer tried to protest, but Maria's team kept going.
"Furthermore, we have testimony from the head nurse and fertility specialist. They confirm that Ms. Liz orchestrated the IVF behind the scenes. She manipulated the system – planted the embryo without informed consent."
The judge leaned forward.
"Are you saying the petitioner intentionally impregnated the respondent for leverage?"
"Yes, your Honor. She belied it would tie Maria to her forever."
Maria stepped forward.
"I didn't just raise that child. I gave her a name, a life, a heart. I gave her the future I never had. And when Liz realized that love couldn't be forced or faked...she tried to steal it."
The room was silent. Then the judge spoke.
"The court finds in favor of Maria Ailenie.
Full custody is granted.
All claims by the petitioner are denied.
This court also refers the case of medical manipulation and psychological abuse for federal investigation."
Liz stood frozen. She didn't cry. She didn't speak. She just... stood there.
The moment the court adjourned, her phone started buzzing:
Termination letters. Board suspensions. Loss of research grants. Her name trended online–not as a genius, but as a fraud.
Maria walked past her without flinching.
Outside the courtroom, Sara hugged her tightly. "You did it. You protected her."
Maria smiled faintly.
"She's safe. That's all that matters."
In the villa, Lila ran towards Sara's parents with a drawing in her hand. It was a picture of her and her momma, standing in front of a giant stage, with stars and fashion lights.
On the drawing, she had written:
"Me and Momma vs the World."