Chapter 8
Vanessa was released that evening.
Daniel told me before I saw it online.
I had taken Mia home, given her soup, and tucked her into my bed because she asked.
When my phone rang, Daniel’s name on the screen made my stomach tighten.
“She made bail,” he said.
I closed my eyes.
“Can she come near Mia?”
“No. Temporary no-contact order.”
“Good.”
“Grace.”
His voice sounded different.
Not defensive.
Afraid.
“What?”
“I found something in Vanessa’s office.”
I stepped into the hallway.
“What kind of something?”
“A folder with your name on it.”
My hand tightened around the phone.
“What was inside?”
“Photos. Your work schedule. Your rent records. Old medical bills. Notes about making you look unstable.”
The floor seemed to shift.
Vanessa had not only been cruel.
She had been building a case.
Daniel continued.
“There’s also a draft custody petition. It says I should request full custody because you’re financially unfit.”
I looked toward my bedroom door.
Mia slept on the other side.
My daughter had been humiliated in front of a school because Vanessa wanted paperwork to look believable.
“Send it to my lawyer.”
“I will.”
“And Daniel?”
“Yes?”
“Do not touch anything else. Photograph the room. Lock the door. Call your attorney.”
“I already called the police.”
That surprised me.
A small, sharp surprise.
“Good.”
He was quiet.
Then he said, “I should have done this sooner.”
“Yes.”
“I don’t know how to fix what I let happen.”
“You start by telling the truth even when it makes you look bad.”
He breathed out.
“Okay.”
The next morning, my lawyer, Olivia Grant, filed an emergency custody motion.
Daniel did not oppose it.
His attorney sent a statement agreeing that Mia should remain with me until the investigation was complete.
Vanessa responded with a public post.
A photo of herself crying.
Caption:
Some women teach their daughters to lie.
By noon, three school parents had shared it.
By two, Mr. Alden released a statement saying the school was cooperating with police after an incident involving an adult assaulting a student.
May you like
By three, Vanessa deleted her post.
But screenshots last longer than lies.
