CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY ONE - The Beginning of the Endgame

Across the aisle, Agnes and Richard's legal team exuded confidence. They had played every card they had, bringing up every piece of Deonna and Logan's past they could find to discredit them. Deonna caught Agnes's eye for a brief moment, and the older woman's smug expression sent a chill down her spine. Judge Simmons cleared her throat, her voice cutting through the tense silence. "This case has been one of the most complex and emotionally charged custody battles I have presided over in my career," she began. "It is clear that both sides have a deep love for young Kayla Maine, and that her well-being is at the forefront of everyone's minds." Deonna felt Logan's hand tighten around hers. She wanted to look at him, to draw strength from his presence, but she couldn't tear her eyes away from the judge. "I have carefully considered all the evidence presented," Judge Simmons continued, "including the thorough report from our court-appointed child advocate, Dr. Chen. I have taken into acco