Chapter 10 - The Custody Siege
The civil trial for conservatorship was far more brutal than the criminal proceeding. In family court, rules of evidence were broader, and Arthur Sterling weaponized every detail of Sarah's life.
A court-appointed evaluator, Dr. Harrison, spent three days observing both environments. At Eleanor’s estate, he noted the private tutor rooms, the indoor pool, the personal pediatrician on retainer, and the sprawling gardens. At Sarah's harbor apartment, he noted the shared bedroom, the creaking stairs, and the proximity to the working docks.
"Your honor," Sterling argued before Judge Evelyn Morales, "we are not discussing morality; we are discussing the best interest of the child. Mrs. Eleanor Vance offers an education at St. Jude’s Academy, round-the-clock medical care, and trust securities. Ms. Sarah Vance offers an unstable artistic income and an apartment above a tool shop."
Elena Ramos stood to rebut. "Your honor, money is not custody. The petitioner has proven that she views this child not as a human being, but as a dynastic ornament. Love cannot be substituted by private security, nor can character be bought through trust funds."
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Judge Morales reviewed the case file, her face inscrutable. "I am ordering an in-chambers interview with the child, Nora Vance. No attorneys. No parents. Just the court."
Sarah felt her stomach plummet. Nora was six. How could a six-year-old bear the weight of her own future behind closed mahogany doors?
