Chapter 40 - Unbroken
As federal marshals dragged Vivian out through the side doors of the courtroom, Noah and Sophie broke past the wooden bar, throwing their arms around my waist with desperate, weeping joy.
"Mommy! I knew you wouldn't let her take us!" Sophie sobbed, burying her face against my blazer.
Noah wrapped his arms around both of us, resting his head against my shoulder. "I love you, Mom. I never doubted you for a second."
Ethan walked over, his broad arms wrapping around all three of us, pulling us tightly against his broad chest. He buried his face in my neck, his deep breath trembling with profound, overwhelming relief.
"It's over, Clara," Ethan whispered into my ear, pressing a sweet, long kiss to my forehead. "The last shadow is dead. No one will ever threaten our home again."
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Judge Miller struck his gavel one final time, his voice echoing warmly across the quiet courtroom:
"Case dismissed with prejudice. Full, unassailable legal and biological custody of Noah Vance-Moretti and Sophie Vance-Moretti remains permanently with Ethan and Clara Vance."
