My heart was racing so fast I thought it might fail. I felt a surge of terror—fear of what Marcus would do later, fear of being ignored. But then the baby moved, a sharp kick that gave me the strength to realize that I couldn’t be quiet anymore. “Yes,” I whispered, then cleared my throat to speak louder. “Yes, Your Honor. He has threatened me repeatedly. He has taken complete control of my money. He told me I would suffer if I fought him.”
Marcus scoffed loudly. “This is completely ridiculous.”
Judge Rowan ignored him. “Are you currently safe in your residence, Mrs. Vale?”
“No,” I replied, my voice finally breaking. “He took my keys and changed the locks. He cut off my bank cards. I’ve been sleeping wherever I can find a place to stay.”
Elara let out a small laugh. “So dramatic.”
The judge’s expression became terrifying. “One more word, Ms. Quinn, and I will have you removed for contempt.”
Marcus’s attorney finally spoke up. “Your Honor, this is not the purpose of today’s hearing—”