Chapter 10 - THE GAVEL FALLS
The courtroom was packed, but to Elelliana, it felt entirely empty except for the man sitting beside her. Nathan wore a crisp dark suit, his large hand resting gently over her small, trembling ones. Across the aisle, Marcus was noticeably absent, currently sitting in a federal holding cell facing a decade of charges. The judge—a no-nonsense woman appointed after the previous judge's corruption scandal broke—looked over the mountain of character references, psychological evaluations, and the unprecedented financial trust Nathan had established for the children.
"Mr. Vance," the judge said, peering over her glasses. "You are an unmarried man with a demanding empire. Taking on a traumatized eight-year-old and twin infants is a monumental task. Are you certain you are prepared for this lifelong commitment?" Nathan didn't look at the judge. He turned his head and looked at Elelliana. He saw the fire in her eyes, the resilience that had kept her brothers alive against impossible odds. "Your Honor," Nathan said, his voice thick with an emotion the billionaire rarely showed to the world. "The only privilege my wealth has ever given me is the ability to stand here today. They are my family. I am completely certain." The judge smiled softly, raised her wooden gavel, and brought it down with a resounding crack. "Petition for full, permanent adoption granted." Elelliana threw her arms around Nathan's neck, finally, truly safe.
