I pulled out a heavy, frustrated breath. “I appreciate your help, but my lawyer will handle the legal matters prior to my case.”
Neil gazed at me—with longing. We were silent for a second, just looking at each other like the first time we met. After a long beat, he exhaled a deep breath and gently held my hand.
“Listen, I can gather everything—the evidence, statements, records. We’ll build something real against Zach’s custody filing.” He took out a card from his coat and put it on my palm. “I’m only one call away, Arianne. Don’t shut me out of your life this time.”
I swallowed hard. He was offering protection again—the kind I thought only a blade or a lawyer could wield. But now it came from regret and professional integrity. Without trusting myself to speak, I nodded faintly. My throat felt dry, raw. All the embers of hurt and hope flickered inside me, colliding.