Maya's POV
"We need lawyers." I pace the living room. "Marcus threatened Hope. We need legal protection immediately."
Ethan nods. "I'm calling our attorney right now."
Derek sits with his head in his hands. He flew back from Thailand the moment I told him about Marcus's call. That was three days ago. Three days of fear and planning and barely sleeping.
"This is my fault," Derek says for the hundredth time. "I should have handled Marcus better. Should have warned you sooner."
"Stop." I grab his shoulder. "We're not blaming each other. We're fixing this. Together."
Catherine arrives with her lawyer friend, Mr. Kim. He's a family law expert. The best in New York.
"Tell me everything," Mr. Kim says, opening his laptop.
We explain. James's hidden son. Marcus's threats. His possible custody claim. The danger to Hope.
Mr. Kim listens carefully. Takes notes. His face grows more serious with each detail.
