Matt stands, gathering papers. “Congratulations, Cole.”
“Thank you,” I say, shaking his hand. “Really.”
“We’ll talk strategy later this week. You need to move fast if you’re going to beat her on the buyout.”
“I know.”
We step into the hallway, the air cooler than the courtroom but just as bright. Calista and Toby stroll out behind us, whispering, laughing, like this was some entertainment spectacle.
She throws her hair over her shoulder. “Don’t look so tense, Cole. You got what you wanted. A kid and a dead company.”
Toby snorts. “Yeah, real triumph.”
I turn, look at them both, and for the first time in months, I don’t feel anger. I feel pity.
“You two deserve each other,” I declare simply. “And that’s not a compliment.”
Calista’s smile drops. Toby’s jaw ticks.
Good.
Matt puts a hand on my shoulder. “Ignore them.”
“I’m trying.”
He nods toward the exit. “Go take care of your daughter. I’ll see you soon.”
Yeah, that’s the plan.
“Thanks again.”
As he walks away, I pull out my phone and call my mom.
She’s been waiting for this call all morning. She didn’t want to be in the courtroom, saying she didn’t trust herself not to throw her purse at Calista’s head.
She picks up on the first ring. “Cole? Sweetheart?”
Her voice is thin at the edges, like she’s bracing for impact.
I swallow. “It’s done.”
A breath catches on her end, sharp, hopeful. “And?”
I drag a hand over my face. “I got her, Mom. Full custody.”
It’s silent for a moment, and then a rush of sound—a half sob, half laugh.
“Oh, thank God,” she whispers. “Oh, honey… thank God.”
I close my eyes for a second, letting her relief steady me. Mom’s been there through everything—the fights, sleepless nights, and the ugly moments I didn’t want her to see. She deserves this peace almost as much as I do.
“Where is Aria?” I ask.
“She’s with me. I’m actually driving us to town. I was going to treat her to ice cream. Lift her spirits. She’s been… worried, Cole. More than she let on.”
My chest tightens. I hate that my little girl had to carry even a fraction of this.
“Let’s meet there. I’m on my way out of the courthouse.”
