Leo's small hand, warm and trusting, gripped Adrian's finger. The innocent plea, “Stay, Daddy,” echoed in the tense silence. Adrian’s gaze flickered between his son’s hopeful face and Clara’s pale, terrified features. A strange conflict ignited within him. Fury still simmered, a hot, bitter taste on his tongue, but it wrestled with a primal urge to protect. Leo. His son. Something he never knew he wanted, now fiercely desired. Not just for his name, but for *him*. Pushing past the flicker of doubt, Adrian hardened his jaw. Betrayal had a cost. Clara would pay it. He couldn’t let her walk away unscathed, especially not with his son. He gently disengaged Leo’s hand. "Later, champ," he murmured, his voice tight. He avoided Clara’s pleading eyes, turning to the waiting security detail. "Take Ms. Hayes and Leo to the guesthouse. Ensure they have everything they need. And ensure they don't leave the premises without my explicit permission." Clara’s breath hitched. "Adrian, please!" He ignored her, striding past without another word. The door closed, a final click severing the fragile peace. He walked towards his study, each step heavy, resolute. This was no longer about hurt pride. This was about Leo. Hours later, ensconced in his opulent study, Adrian’s voice was cold, precise. His legal team, three sharp-suited individuals, sat opposite him. They listened, pens poised, as he laid out his demands. "I want full custody," Adrian stated, his eyes fixed on the lead attorney, Mr. Davies. "Begin proceedings immediately. Prepare all necessary documentation. I want to establish paternity, which I assume will be straightforward given the DNA results." Mr. Davies nodded, his expression unreadable. "Of course, Mr. Thorne. We will prioritize this. Do you foresee any complications regarding Ms. Hayes's cooperation?" Adrian's lips thinned. "Her cooperation is irrelevant. My son belongs with me. She kept him from me for five years. That alone should demonstrate her unsuitability." "We will build a strong case around that," another lawyer, Ms. Chen, interjected. "Her past actions, her financial standing, her current living situation — all will be scrutinized." He leaned back, a flicker of grim satisfaction. "Good. I want no stone unturned. Ensure this is handled swiftly and decisively. I don't want this dragging on." "Understood, Mr. Thorne," Mr. Davies confirmed. "We'll have preliminary papers ready by tomorrow morning." Dismissing his legal team, Adrian felt a chilling calm. He had made his decision. Leo would be his. Clara would have no choice but to accept it. Back in the secluded guesthouse, Clara clutched the legal notice. Her hands trembled, the crisp paper crinkling under her grip. A custody battle. He was truly going through with it. Tears welled, but she blinked them back fiercely. This wasn’t the time for tears. This was the time for fighting. For Leo. She paced the plush rug, her mind racing. Adrian had resources, power, influence. He could crush her. But she had something too. Something he thought was buried forever. Reaching for her phone, she made a call. A nervous, hesitant conversation. Then another. And another. She dug through old files, a forgotten box tucked away in her closet. Letters, photographs, even a faded newspaper clipping. Evidence of a past Adrian Thorne, a man whose temper had once spiraled out of control, leaving a trail of destruction. Days later, Adrian’s office gleamed with a predatory stillness. His legal team sat opposite him, not with new papers, but with grim faces. Mr. Davies cleared his throat, pushing a thick folder across the polished mahogany desk. "Mr. Thorne," he began, his voice unusually grave. "Ms. Hayes's legal team has responded. They are not backing down. And they have presented… some compelling counter-evidence." Adrian’s brow furrowed. "Counter-evidence? What could she possibly have?" He picked up the folder, his fingers brushing against the stiff cardstock. Inside, glossy photographs lay atop official-looking documents. His eyes scanned the first image: a shattered window, a sports car with a dented fender, a hand-written apology note addressed to an unnamed 'victim' signed with a familiar, youthful flourish: 'Adrian T.' His jaw tightened. He remembered that night. A stupid, reckless college prank gone wrong, fueled by alcohol and a searing argument with his father. Next, a police report from years ago. A minor incident, technically. Vandalism, disturbing the peace. Charges dropped, records sealed, thanks to his family's influence. But it was there, documented, showing his name. Reading the accompanying legal brief, a cold dread began to seep into his veins. Clara’s lawyers were painting a picture of a man prone to violent outbursts, a history of anger management issues. They were arguing that his past behavior made him an unstable guardian, particularly given the stress of a child. Adrian slammed the folder shut, the sound echoing sharply in the room. His knuckles were white. "This is ancient history! College antics! It was all dealt with!" "Indeed, Mr. Thorne," Mr. Davies said, unflinching. "But Ms. Hayes's team is presenting it as a pattern. Coupled with your recent aggressive behavior towards her, your public persona can be easily twisted. They are suggesting you're unfit to provide a stable, safe environment for Leo." Adrian’s breath hitched. He had forgotten about this. Buried it. Erased it. How had Clara found it? His gaze sharpened, a dangerous glint in his eyes. He slowly pushed the folder back across the table. "You think *that* will stop me, Clara?" he scoffed, his voice laced with venom. "You clearly don't know me at all."

Chapter 28: A Custody Battle Looms