Chapter 7 - The Legal Siege
By nine o'clock that morning, the Callaway Grand was under an unprecedented legal siege.
Reporters, process servers, and private investigators hovered near the hotel's public entrances, drawn by rumors of a high-stakes custody battle involving the city’s most dangerous tycoon.
Inside the penthouse study, Sarah Sterling was working at lightspeed, surrounded by four junior associates, thick law volumes, and dozens of legal briefs.
"We filed an emergency stay of enforcement with the State Appellate Court," Sarah announced, sliding a signed document across the table to Donovan. "Judge Vance’s order has been temporarily frozen for seventy-two hours pending an expedited fitness hearing."
Donovan was sitting on the leather sofa. Mave was sitting beside him, quietly coloring in a workbook Greer had brought up, her small navy-and-white shoes swinging rhythmically off the edge of the cushions.
"What are our chances at the hearing?" Donovan asked, keeping his voice quiet so Mave wouldn't worry.
Sarah let out a heavy sigh, adjusting her glasses. "Truthfully, Donovan? It’s an uphill battle. You’re a single man with a... colorful public background. You run high-risk private enterprises. The state’s primary argument is that a former criminal boss’s penthouse is not a suitable environment for a traumatized six-year-old child."
"I have no criminal convictions on record," Donovan pointed out coldly.
"No, but your reputation precedes you," Sarah said. "The state will argue that placement with an accredited foster family is safer and more stable."
"A foster family where Miller’s remaining connections can reach her," Vance muttered from the doorway.
"Exactly," Sarah said. "Our best legal strategy is to prove that Mave has an established emotional bond with you, and that staying here serves her best interests. But we need a permanent solution."
Suddenly, the intercom buzzed. Greer walked over and pressed the button.
"Mr. Ree," the concierge’s voice came through. "There is a woman in the lobby claiming to be Ruth Callaway. She is demanding to see you immediately."
Donovan’s eyes narrowed into slits. "Ruth?"
"She’s accompanied by a private attorney," the concierge added.
Mave stopped coloring. Her small hand froze on the crayon, her shoulders tensing instantly at the mention of her aunt’s name.
Donovan placed a comforting hand on Mave’s back. "Greer, stay with her."
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"Donovan," Vance warned, stepping beside him as he stood up. "Ruth vanished yesterday to save her own skin. Why would she come back into the lion's den now?"
"Because someone paid her to come back," Donovan said darkly. "Bring her up to the twentieth-floor conference room. Let’s see how much her loyalty costs today."
