Chapter 3

The news that I was suing Julian Vance for sole custody of our son spread through Boston's high society overnight.

"She's not asking for a single cent of his billions? Is she insane?"

"It's a psychological play. Women like her always play hard to get."

Even my best friend, Serena, rushed over from New York to yell at me.

"Clara! Has your brain melted? Julian is the one who cheated! You should be taking him for every penny he has!"

She grabbed my shoulders, her eyes red with worry. "Do you know how expensive a custody battle is? Do you know how much it costs to raise a child in this city?!"

Looking into her worried eyes, a wave of warmth rushed through me. At least someone in this world truly cared about me.

I gently pat her hand. "Serena, I have a plan. Trust me."

On the day of the first court hearing, Julian's high-powered legal team submitted a mountain of evidence.

They argued that as a surgeon, my irregular hours meant I couldn't provide a stable environment for Leo.

They showed that I only owned a small pre-marital apartment and had less than a hundred thousand dollars in savings, while Julian's net worth was in the billions.

They even dug up my medical records from college, showing that I had seen a therapist for three months due to academic stress.

The judge looked at me with deep pity.

Julian sat at the defense table in a bespoke suit, looking completely relaxed. His occasional glances toward me were filled with pure disdain.

During the recess, I bumped into Julian and Chloe in the hallway.

Chloe gave me a sugary, venomous smile. "Dr. Bennett, I heard you're still fighting for Leo? Why bother? A single mom's life is so hard."

"Miss Miller, you aren't even married into the family yet. Isn't it a bit early to worry about my son?"

I bypassed her and looked straight at Julian. "I want Leo."

He sneered. "You can't afford him! His annual preschool tuition is more than your yearly salary!"

"That is my problem."

He stared at me for a long time before letting out a cold laugh. "We'll see about that in court."

Before the second hearing, my lawyer's face was incredibly grim.

"Clara, they found a malpractice claim from three years ago."

I froze. "That patient arrived in the ER already brain-dead. I did everything by the book. The medical board cleared me of all liability."

My lawyer sighed. "The Vance family has unlimited resources. They paid off the patient's disgruntled family to testify in court that you are incompetent and irresponsible."

My hands began to tremble.

Not out of fear, but out of absolute disgust.

Julian really wanted to destroy me. He didn't just want to win; he wanted to ruin my entire life.

During the final hearing, I stood up before the judge.

"Your Honor, I waive all claims to the marital assets. I am not asking for any spousal support or child support. I only want sole custody of my son."

The courtroom gasped.

Julian's eyes widened in shock.

Chloe's smug smile vanished, replaced by utter confusion. She probably couldn't comprehend why anyone would willingly walk away from the Vance fortune.

The judge, seeing my determination and Julian's obvious moral shortcomings, ultimately granted me sole physical custody, giving Julian only basic visitation rights.

As we walked out of the courthouse, Chloe tried to mock me one last time. "Dr. Bennett, have fun working extra shifts. Call us if you need food stamps."

Julian said nothing, just staring at me with a complicated expression.

Serena drove us away in her beat-up SUV.

In the back seat, Leo was happily playing with his toy car. "Mommy, where are we going?"

"We're going home, baby," I smiled, kissing his head.

In the rearview mirror, Julian's black Rolls-Royce grew smaller and smaller until it disappeared.

Serena wiped a tear from her cheek as she drove. "Clara, you really left with nothing? You didn't even pack your designer bags... Just one of those purses could pay your rent for a year..."

I looked down at my small suitcase containing only a few clothes and my medical license.

"This is more than enough," I said softly.

I looked out the window. "Serena, sometimes you have to let go of everything to get what you truly want."

Serena sniffed. "I just hope you don't regret this."

I wouldn't.

Because what I took with me was the only biological heir to the entire Vance empire.