But it wasn’t a personal source of income for her guardians.
It couldn’t simply become household money.
It couldn’t be treated like a private bank account.
And that mattered.
A lot.
Because the hearing was the next morning.
A judge would decide where Vicky would live.
Denise arrived at court dressed perfectly.
Her hair was styled.
Her clothes were expensive.
Her expression was confident.
She walked toward me with a smile.
“Let’s settle this quickly,” she said.
“My daughter, Vicky, and I have a very busy day planned.”
I didn’t respond.
I simply watched her walk into the courtroom.
Denise and Howard presented themselves as the obvious choice.
They were married.
They had a larger home.
They had stable income.
They talked about private schooling and a better future for Vicky.
