“Oh, please–” Kelly says.

The judge’s gavel raps once, twice, and the room snaps back to attention. “Enough,” she says, voice stern. She studies the two lawyers, her expression unreadable. “Ms. Powell, these are some pretty egregious claims your client is making today. I’d like to hear her grievances in her own words. Is she prepared?”

Kelly inclines her head. “She is, Your Honor.”

“Very well. Let’s proceed.” The judge leans back, folding her hands.

Michelle stands, smoothing the fabric of her slacks, and approaches the witness stand under the watchful gaze of the gallery. Kelly follows, her heels clicking softly on the floor.

“Mrs. Adams Porter, why are we here this morning?” Kelly asks, her voice steady.

Michelle sighs before she responds. “Because I’m deeply concerned my ex-wife is allowing our son to be in the company of someone who’s proven they have no qualms about packing up and leaving in the middle of the night without warning, which would have an emotional impact on our child…”

Tina’s posture stiff, guilt flickering across her face. Kit reaches over and gently squeezes Tina’s hand, grounding her.

Kelly nods. “And to whom are you referring?”

Michelle’s gaze hardens. “Tina Kennard…”

“And how do you know Ms. Kennard has history of leaving without warning?”

“I’ve been told—”

Joyce springs to her feet. “Objection, hearsay.”

The judge nods sharply. “Sustained.”

Kelly exhales and turns back to Michelle. “Mrs. Adams Porter, what was Ms. Porter’s mental state when you first met her?”

Joyce rises again, voice brisk. “Objection, Your Honor. Ms. Adams is not a psychiatrist and lacks the qualifications to assess my client’s mental state…”

Kelly lifts her gaze to the bench. “Your Honor, I’m merely establishing why my client felt compelled to bring this matter before you today.”

“I understand, Ms. Powell, but you must do so within evidentiary bounds. Sustained.”

Kelly closes her eyes briefly, then reopens them on Michelle. “When you first met Ms. Porter, was she reluctant to enter a committed relationship?”

“Yes,” Michelle replies, her tone softer now as she looks toward Bette.

“And why is that?” Kelly asks.

“Because she was still grappling with the shock of her wife leaving her without warning—skipping town while pregnant with their child…” Michelle says.