Samuel had been shown to be a loving father, thrilled from minute one that they were expecting a baby. Coco looked selfish and petulant, her intelligence and judgment suspect.
Destiny sat down and put an arm around Amber’s shoulders.
“You have to do it,” Luca whispered.
“Do what?”
“Tell them who you are.”
Cole shot Luca a look of astonishment. “What?”
“Now. Right now. Put in a bid for custody. You’re a blood relative.”
“Custody?” Had Luca lost his mind?
“At the very least, it’ll throw a wrench in it, slow things down. If you don’t, if the judge rules on this—and it looks like he’s about to rule—then it’s done.”
Adrenaline shot into Cole’s system, and his stomach clenched. How could he do it? How could he not?
“Ms. Welsley,” said the judge, “I have no doubt as to the love you feel for Zachary. However—”
“Do it!” Luca hissed.
Cole shot to his feet. “Your Honor.”
The judge drew back in obvious shock. “You’re out of order, sir.”
“Go, go, go,” said Luca.
Cole moved into the aisle and walked forward.
Amber and Destiny both turned to stare. But he didn’t dare look at them.
“Bailiff,” called the judge.
Cole knew he had only seconds. “My name is Cole Parker Henderson. I’m Samuel Henderson’s son.”
* * *
Amber felt her world dissolve beneath her.
Cole continued walking to the front of the courtroom. He continued talking. He didn’t even bother to look her way.
“I want to petition the court for custody of my half brother,” his voice boomed.
“He’s a competitor,” Roth cried out, coming to his feet.
“Order,” called the judge, bringing down his gavel.
The bailiff seemed uncertain of what to do.
Destiny whispered in an undertone, “What the—?”
“I’m such an idiot,” said Amber.
“Can it possibly be true?”
Cole came to a stop at the little gateway.
Amber took in Cole’s expression. “That’s no bluff.”
He was firm and resolute. She realized he had to have planned this all along. And she’d let him in. She’d trusted him. She’d armed him with all kinds of information. She’d left him alone in the penthouse, alone with Zachary.
“This is preposterous,” said Roth. “It’s a stalling tactic.”