Chapter 7 - The Legal Battle
While Arthur Vance was safely behind bars, a new legal challenge emerged from an unexpected direction.
Three days after Vance’s arrest, Cade received an urgent summons from the Cook County Family Court.
The Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) had caught wind of the high-profile case. Because Lily and Maya were minors without legal parents, the state was legally required to step in and place them into temporary foster care pending a formal custody evaluation.
Cade stood in his study, flanked by his chief legal advisor, Eleanor Vance (no relation to Arthur), a top-tier family law attorney in Chicago.
“Cade, this is tricky,” Eleanor warned, adjusting her glasses as she reviewed the state court documents. “You’re a single, recently divorced man. You aren’t a registered foster parent, and you have no biological relation to these girls. The state system moves strictly by protocol.”
“I’m not letting them be thrown into a shelter or assigned to strangers,” Cade said firmly, his eyes resolute. “They’ve suffered enough trauma.”
“Then we have to file for emergency formal adoption,” Eleanor explained. “But the state evaluator will scrutinize your entire life—your work schedule, your lifestyle, your ability to provide a stable, nurturing home environment for two young children.”
“I have endless resources, Eleanor,” Cade argued. “I can hire the best pediatricians, tutors, and caretakers in the country.”
“Resources aren’t enough in family court, Cade,” Eleanor said gently, looking at him with deep professional wisdom. “The judge will want to know if you can give them a home, not just a luxury building.”
That evening, the court-appointed social worker, a stern woman named Mrs. Henderson, arrived at the penthouse to conduct an unannounced home evaluation.
Cade opened the door personally, welcoming her inside. Mrs. Henderson carried a thick clipboard, her sharp eyes scanning the high ceilings, modern art, and vast glass windows with immediate skepticism.
“Mr. Ellington,” Mrs. Henderson began, stepping into the foyer. “This penthouse is certainly impressive. But it looks more like a corporate museum than a place to raise two traumatized young girls.”
Cade remained calm. “I understand how it looks, Mrs. Henderson. Please, follow me.”
He led her into the newly redecorated playroom—a bright, warm space filled with books, art supplies, soft rugs, and toys.
Lily and Maya were sitting at a small table, watercolor painting with the live-in nanny Cade had hired—a gentle, experienced woman with a background in child psychology.
When Lily saw Cade enter, her face lit up with a genuine, beautiful smile. “Cade! Look! I painted the lake!”
She ran over, holding up a bright blue watercolor painting. Cade knelt down immediately, taking the paper with complete care, completely unconcerned about getting wet paint on his custom suit.
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“It’s incredible, Lily,” Cade said warmly, looking at her artwork with genuine pride. “We’re going to frame this and put it in my office tomorrow.”
Mrs. Henderson watched the interaction silently, her stern expression softening ever so slightly as she noted how comfortable and safe both girls were around the billionaire investor.
