Vanessa secretly switched baby Emma’s bottle, but Clara caught it before the baby could drink.

My blood ran cold.

“Tomorrow morning?” I repeated.

Sam nodded. “He’s already filed the paperwork. He has a judge ready to sign the order. By noon tomorrow, he and Vanessa will have legal custody of the girls. And no one will be able to stop them.”

Adrian struggled to sit up. “We have to get back. We have to stop him.”

“You can’t go anywhere,” Sam said firmly. “You’re too weak.”

Adrian looked at me, his eyes burning with urgency. “Clara… you have to go. Take the evidence. Go to a judge Sterling doesn’t control. Go to the press. Do whatever it takes. But do not let him take my children.”

“I won’t,” I promised.

Sam handed me the folder. “Take this. Keep it safe. If anything happens… if I don’t make it… you have everything you need.”

“Where are you going?” I asked.

Sam looked toward the window. “To buy you time. Sterling’s men are getting closer. I’ll lead them away. You get to the city. Get the evidence into the right hands.”

“Sam—”

“Go,” he said. “Now. Before it’s too late.”

I looked at Adrian. He nodded. “He’s the only one who knows these woods. Trust him. Go.”

I hugged Adrian tightly, pressing my forehead to his. “I’ll come back. I promise. I’ll bring help.”

“Be careful,” he whispered. “And Clara… don’t trust anyone. Not until this is over.”

I slipped out of the cabin and ran back to the car. I drove as fast as I could, the folder clutched tightly on the passenger seat beside me. Behind me, I heard shouting. Then gunshots.

I didn’t look back. I drove faster.

By dawn, I was back in the city. I drove straight to the courthouse. I needed a judge who was honest. Someone Sterling couldn’t buy. Someone who would listen.

I walked up the steps, the evidence heavy in my hands. But as I reached the entrance, I saw them.

Two men standing by the doors. Watching. Waiting.