“And if he fights it?”

“Then we go to trial, and I destroy him in court. Either way, you’re getting full custody, Tina. There’s no question about that.”

“What about child support?”

“That’s trickier. His business assets are tied up in the criminal case, and depending on how deep the fraud goes, there might not be much left. But we’ll pursue every avenue.”

Tina nodded, feeling a strange mix of relief and sadness. “I never wanted it to come to this. I just wanted the truth.”

“The truth is that he’s a criminal who stole ten years of your life. Don’t feel guilty about holding him accountable.”

“I don’t feel guilty. I feel… empty. Like I wasted so much time.”

“You didn’t waste time. You were living your life, raising your son, trying to build something real. The fact that it was built on lies doesn’t make your effort meaningless.”

“Helena, can I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

“When this is all over, when the custody is settled and the criminal case is resolved, how hard would it be to relocate? Out of state?”

Helena’s eyebrows rose. “Are we talking about a specific state? Like, say, New York?”

“Maybe.”

“It would be easier after you have full custody. Courts generally allow relocation when it’s in the child’s best interest. And given the circumstances, I think you could make a strong case that a fresh start would be good for Carson.”

“Good. That’s… good to know.”

“Tina, can I give you some advice?”

“Please.”

“Whatever you’re planning, make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons. Don’t run toward something just because you’re running away from something else.”

“I’m not running away. I’m running toward.”

“Good. Because Bette Porter is a good woman. She deserves someone who’s all in.”

“How do you know Bette?”

Helena smiled. “Law School. Plus, she’s been worried about you. She’s called me twice to check on how the case is going.”

Tina felt her heart skip. “She has?”

“She cares about you, Tina. But she’s also protecting herself. Don’t make her regret caring.”

—–

**That evening – The Kennard House**

Tina was helping Carson with his homework when the doorbell rang. Lauren went to answer it, and Tina heard unfamiliar voices in the foyer.