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I wasn’t supposed to be involved.

I’m just here to support Grant, to be his steady presence.

But Lauren? Lauren is desperate. And desperate people take desperate shots.

Her lawyer clears his throat.

“Your Honor, given the shifting circumstances of this case, we’d like to address a concern regarding Mr. Maddox’s new romantic relationship.”

My heart stops.

Grant goes rigid beside me.

Lauren? Lauren finally smiles.

The judge raises a brow. “Proceed.”

Lauren’s lawyer stands, buttoning his suit.

“We’d like to call Ms. Kenzie Williams to the stand.”

Grant’s jaw clenches.

My stomach drops.

Because this?

This was never part of the plan.

My heart pounds. This wasn’t supposed to happen. I was supposed to sit beside Grant, support him from the sidelines.

Not be dragged into the fire.

But Lauren? Lauren is grinning like she just played the trump card of the century.

I force my spine straight. I won’t let this woman see me sweat. I walk to the stand, settle into the chair, and place my hand on the Bible.

The bailiff recites the oath.

I barely hear it over the blood rushing in my ears.

But I say the words.

“I do.”

And just like that—

I’m in it.

Not just because I have to be.

But because I chose this. I chose him. And I won’t back down now.

Lauren’s lawyer smiles politely.

“Ms. Williams, how long have you been romantically involved with Mr. Maddox?”

I fold my hands in my lap, keeping my face neutral.

“Not long.”

“And yet you’ve already spent time with his daughter?”

My stomach tightens.

Here it is. Lauren’s real play. I keep my expression calm. Even as Lauren’s lawyer pounces.

“You’ve spent time with Olivia?”

I meet his gaze head-on.

“Yes.”

“And how did that come about?”

I don’t hesitate.

“Grant introduced us when he felt it was the right time.”

Lauren’s lawyer tilts his head.

“So, after only a few weeks of dating, you were already being placed in a parental role?”

I barely stop myself from rolling my eyes.

“I wasn’t ‘placed’ in anything. Olivia has two parents. I am not one of them.”

Lauren’s jaw twitches. I see it. And it fuels me. Lauren’s lawyer presses forward.

“Would you say you and Mr. Maddox’s relationship is serious?”

I fold my hands neatly in my lap.

“I’d say it’s real.”

Lauren lets out a small, incredulous scoff.

I don’t look at her. I look at Grant. And the way his eyes are locked on mine—steady, sure, like I’m the only thing holding him together—

I know I just said the exact right thing.

Because this isn’t just about Olivia. Or Lauren.

This is about us.

And I’m all in.

I sit still, waiting. I can feel Lauren’s eyes on me.

Can sense the calculation behind them.

And I know—

Lauren isn’t finished.

Not yet.

Lauren’s lawyer paces slowly.

“So, Ms. Williams, you’re saying you’re not a parental figure in Olivia’s life?”

I nod once.

“That’s right.”

“And yet, you have been spending time with her?”

I meet his gaze directly.

“Yes.”

The lawyer smiles like he’s caught me in something.

“Interesting.”

He turns toward the judge.

“Your Honor, we have reason to believe this relationship is moving too fast. That introducing Ms. Williams into Olivia’s life could create instability and confusion for the child.”

Grant stiffens beside Marcus.

I hold my ground.

And then—

Marcus stands.

“Objection, Your Honor,” Marcus says, his voice even. “This line of questioning is irrelevant. Ms. Williams is not seeking a legal role in Olivia’s life. She is simply a supportive presence. If spending time with a significant other is grounds for an unfit parent ruling, then I’d love to know how many custody cases would be filed tomorrow.”

The judge raises a brow.

Lauren’s lawyer shuts his mouth.

My pulse thunders in my ears.

The judge nods, then looks at Lauren’s side.

“I’ve heard enough on this topic. Let’s move on.”

Lauren stiffens.

I exhale slowly.

Because I won.

We won.

But I know—

Lauren’s not done fighting yet.

And neither am I.