XAVIER’s POV

Power never moves in a straight line.

It bends, It twists and if you’re not careful, it breaks you.

That was the thought in my head as I walked into the courthouse that morning, my lawyer trailing beside me, his arms full of files that already felt useless.

“Mr. Black,” he whispered, quick steps trying to match mine, “we’ve filed the first response to the custody petition. It’s a strong start, but Charles…”

“Charles doesn’t play by the rules,” I cut in ...