Chapter 6 - The Hidden Study
Judge Carter ordered an independent review of Lily’s adoption, trust and placement history.
Lily remained safely with Maya and a court-approved temporary caregiver while the review continued.
Victoria protested.
“You are removing her from the only stable home she has.”
Lily looked at the packed suitcase.
“No one let me call it home.”
That answer ended the argument.
The independent reviewer examined Rosa’s rejected application.
The original evaluator had approved her.
Someone changed the recommendation three days later.
The revised version came from Victoria’s campaign office.
Maya’s own signature appeared beneath the final denial.
She stared at it.
“I never signed this.”
Victoria turned toward the judge.
“Perhaps the social worker is protecting herself.”
Again, blame moved toward the employee with the least money and the smallest office.
Maya had spent ten years carrying impossible caseloads, driving her own car to emergency placements and buying children dinner when county reimbursements were delayed.
Victoria’s foundation spent more on one donor luncheon than Maya’s entire annual program received.
Yet one forged signature could make the billionaire appear responsible and the social worker appear corrupt.
The court’s technology specialist traced the document.
Maya’s signature had been copied from a training attendance sheet.
The file was edited by Victoria’s campaign director.
Victoria’s fear finally became visible.
“I did not authorize forged records.”
Adrian stared at her.
“But you accepted the result.”
She had never asked why Rosa suddenly became unsuitable.
She only celebrated when Lily became available for placement.
Judge Carter restored Rosa’s application for an unbiased review.
She also froze the Harbor House transaction.
No resident could be removed.
No developer could access Lily’s shares.
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Then the reviewer found that Lily’s trust had paid for Victoria’s campaign.
The child had financed the advertisements calling Victoria her rescuer.
