Grant attended every hearing, sitting upright in tailored suits that once symbolized corporate power but now simply represented presence, and Evan sat beside him gripping his father’s hand as lawyers spoke and judges reviewed evidence that dismantled every excuse offered in defense.
Recovery unfolded gradually rather than dramatically because Evan slept in Grant’s bedroom for weeks, waking from nightmares that left him disoriented and afraid, and therapy appointments became as routine as school drop offs while Grant scaled back his involvement at the company without hesitation, delegating responsibilities he once guarded fiercely because nothing mattered more than rebuilding his son’s sense of safety.
Evan’s physical wounds healed first, the bruises fading and his posture returning to normal, but trust took longer to rebuild, and there were evenings when he asked quietly whether he would have to go back, and each time Grant answered with unwavering certainty that he would never be sent somewhere he felt unsafe again.