Chapter 4
Mark's voice on the other end was like a dagger dipped in poison, cold and venomous.
Julia's heart gave a sudden jolt.
But she didn't flinch.
The warmth of Chloe's little body in her arms and her muffled sobs filled Julia with boundless strength.
She patted Chloe's back gently, her voice gentle enough to melt even the hardest heart.
"Chloe, don't be afraid. Mommy's here."
She didn't even bother to say another word to Mark and hung up on him without a second thought.
Arguing with scum like him was nothing but a waste of her time and energy.
Right now, her entire focus was on Chloe.
The staff nearby was shocked by what they'd just overheard on the phone, worry written all over their face.
"Mrs. Evans, you..."
Julia looked up, her eyes sharp and full of resolve.
"Thank you for taking care of her these last few days.
"I need to take her home now.
"If the police show up, I'll explain everything myself."
Her voice was steady, but there was no mistaking the determination in it.
The staff glanced at the little girl shaking in Julia's arms, then at Julia's tear-stained but resolute eyes, and just couldn't stay hard-hearted.
"You... you should go now. That poor kid."
Julia nodded gratefully, hugging Chloe close as she walked out of that heartbreaking building without a backward glance.
Once in the taxi, Julia immediately called the top lawyer, John.
This time, she didn't hesitate at all.
"Mr. Carter, this is Julia, a friend of Susan."
Calm and composed, she laid out Mark's threats and fabricated charges in a clear, orderly manner.
On the other end of the line, John's voice was calm and steady, carrying a reassuring sense of professionalism.
"Mrs. Evans, there's no need to worry.
"Mark's actions already amount to abandonment, and his accusations don't hold up legally.
"Now, just follow my instructions exactly. This is our first move to fight back."
Julia straightened up in her seat.
"I'm listening."
"First, take Chloe to the best children's hospital in the city and get her a full physical and psychological evaluation.
"Tell the doctor what Chloe's been through these past few days, and make sure you get the most detailed report possible.
"That report will be our strongest evidence that Mark abused and abandoned Chloe.
"Second, from this moment on, don't pick up any of Mark's calls or respond to any of his texts.
"If he tries to reach you through someone else, just ignore those, too.
"Leave all communication to me from now on.
"Third, make sure you hang on to that receipt from the orphanage, and keep all your phone records and messages with Mark."
Every word from John was like an anchor, quickly settling Julia's chaotic thoughts.
She knew she'd found the right person.
"I understand. Thank you, Mr. Carter."
After hanging up, she turned to the driver and said, "Excuse me, could you take us to the city's children's hospital instead? Thank you."
The hospital was brightly lit, full of people coming and going everywhere.
After all the tests, Julia sat on a bench outside the psych eval room, holding Chloe close, feeling utterly drained.
Chloe had no visible injuries, but the results showed she was suffering from mild malnutrition and dehydration.
What was worse was the psychological trauma.
The psychologist had a long private session with Chloe.
When the doctor came out, he looked serious and spoke to Julia. "Mrs. Evans, your child has been through a lot and is showing signs of severe stress.
"The fear of being abandoned by her own family will cast a long shadow over her heart.
"Right now, she's suffering from severe insecurity. She's sleeping excessively, plagued by nightmares, and has become withdrawn, reluctant to interact with others.
"It will take a long time, with ongoing support and professional therapy, for her to gradually heal."
Every word from the doctor was like a blade, stabbing at Julia's heart.
She couldn't begin to imagine the fear and hopelessness Chloe had endured in just two days.
She hugged Chloe close, pressing her chin gently against her daughter's soft hair, her tears falling quietly.
She was determined not only to force Mark out with nothing but also to make him pay the severest price for everything he had done to her daughter.
Late at night, Julia walked out of the hospital, clutching the weighty medical report in her hands.
The words [post-traumatic stress disorder] burned into her mind, making her eyes sting.
This was the smoking gun.
The solid proof that Mark had personally destroyed her daughter's life.
She glanced at Chloe, who was fast asleep but still clutching her sleeve with a death grip. Julia's eyes steeled with determination.
This was a fight she had to win.
For Chloe, and for herself.