Chapter 10 - THE MOTHER WHO REFUSED TO SURRENDER
Alexander's attorneys attempted to negotiate a custody arrangement.
I attended the meeting with my lawyer.
Alexander sat across from me.
He looked thinner.
Older.
His expensive suit hung differently on his shoulders.
For a moment, I remembered the man I'd married.
Then I remembered Ethan crying beside my mother's hospital bed.
I straightened.
My attorney began.
“We're proposing a structured parenting schedule that prioritizes Ethan's emotional well-being.”
Alexander nodded.
“I want to see my son.”
I looked at him.
“I know.”
His eyes lifted.
“Claire.”
I waited.
“I never meant to hurt him.”
I swallowed.
“But you did.”
He looked down.
“I know.”
The meeting continued.
We discussed supervised visits.
Counseling.
School arrangements.
Security concerns.
Alexander's attorney suggested returning Ethan to the mansion for weekends.
I shook my head.
“Not yet.”
Alexander's jaw tightened.
“Claire—”
“He's frightened of you.”
The words landed heavily.
Alexander stared.
I continued.
“He needs time. He needs consistency. And he needs to know you won't punish him for being honest.”
Alexander looked away.
For several seconds, nobody spoke.
Then he nodded.
“All right.”
I stared.
It was the first time in years he'd accepted an answer he didn't like.
And I realized something important.
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I didn't need him to become a perfect man.
I needed him to stop making our son's pain about his own pride.
