CHAPTER FORTY EIGHT - Trusting the Unseen Path

"Carla, please," Ella found herself saying. "Can't we discuss this rationally? There's no need to involve lawyers." Carla turned to her, her eyes flashing. "I'm sorry, Ella, but this doesn't concern you. This is between me, Lucas, and our son." The words stung, but Ella stood her ground. "It does concern me. We're a family, and any decision about Julian affects all of us." Lucas stepped forward, placing a hand on Ella's shoulder. "She's right, Carla. We're all in this together. Let's sit down and talk about this calmly." But Carla was already heading for the door. "My lawyer will be in touch," she said over her shoulder. "I suggest you find one of your own." As the door slammed behind her, Ella and Lucas stood in stunned silence. The weight of what had just happened settled over them like a heavy blanket. "What are we going to do?" Ella whispered, her voice trembling. Lucas pulled her into his arms, holding her tight. "We'll figure it out," he murmured into her hair. "We always