She leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table. “It’s not about claiming him. It’s about building a family. Zach wants us to raise them together. Liam deserves stability. And frankly—he deserves better than watching his mother spiral every time I’m in the room.”
I stood abruptly, the chair scraping the floor. “You think I’m spiraling? I am fighting for my son. For everything you destroyed!”
Celine stood too, unbothered. “Just don’t be surprised when the court agrees with us. A happy home, two siblings, and two unified parents. That’s what judges like to see.”
She gathered her coat and folder, then offered one last, venom-laced smile. “You can keep hating me, Arianne. But soon… Liam won’t be calling you for goodnight kisses. He’ll be calling me Mommy, too.”
I stood up, slowly and deliberately. Celine remained seated, her smile fixed like stone.
“Congratulations,” I said, my voice calm but cold. “I hope you enjoy what you stole.”
She blinked, surprised by the restraint.
“But remember this,” I added, leaning slightly toward her. “A love built in a lie cannot survive. Trust me, he’ll eventually dismantle you. And no, you cannot take my son away from me!”