The relatives erupted in murmurs. My mom gasped. My dad looked like he was about to explode. James stepped right in front of me, blocking Bradley’s view.
“No,” James said firmly. “Absolutely not.”
Bradley kept his tone neutral.
“This is not a confrontation. This is an opportunity to resolve matters respectfully. Given tonight’s events, the courts may see public confusion around Lily’s upbringing. It’s better to cooperate now than fight later.”
I stared at him, disbelief spreading through me like wildfire.
“You’re siding with a man who abandoned his child?”
Bradley shrugged faintly.
“My job is not to pick sides. My job is to prevent chaos.”
Behind me, Lily’s tablet pinged. The viewer count jumped again. Three thousand. Three thousand five hundred. Four thousand. I could almost feel the weight of those unseen eyes.
Maria whispered that this was insane. Laura sank deeper into the sofa like she could hide from all of it. My mom kept repeating that this was a misunderstanding. My dad looked ready to lunge at Bradley for even mentioning legal custody.
I stepped forward until I stood face to face with Bradley.
“I’m not signing anything. Ever. Lily is safe. She’s loved. And no one, especially not a man who abandoned her, gets to walk in because he suddenly sees an opportunity.”
Bradley opened his folder. Then he said something that made every bone in my body turn to ice.
“You should understand that if this goes to court, your own parents’ statements tonight might be used to question your stability and ability to provide a healthy environment for Lily.”
My breath caught. He was hinting that my parents’ cruelty could be twisted into proof that I caused chaos around my child. He was implying that the livestream could be used against me.
Before I could reply, James stepped between us and said, in a steady tone that carried more force than shouting:
“You are not taking my niece anywhere. Not now. Not ever.”
Bradley hesitated, then turned slightly, perhaps realizing the atmosphere had shifted fully against him. But he still held the folder, still played the part of the calm professional.
I felt my hand drift behind me to rest on Lily’s shoulder. She leaned into me, quiet but steady. Outside, I heard another wave of camera shutters and voices. Reporters asking questions. The sound pressed forward like a storm building against the walls.