Sign the Papers Mr. Langford novel Chapter 201

"Do you know why he’s been putting his homework in the wrong backpack lately?"

Lawrence didn't say a word.

Wren looked at him.

"Because the nanny at home has been changed three times. Every new one asks him where I used to put things. He doesn't know, so he assumes he's doing something wrong."

Lawrence's gaze faltered slightly.

In that moment, it felt as though something small had slammed into him.

Not a painful awakening.

Just a sudden realization that a part of the house he had never paid attention to was already completely empty.

But that hollow feeling was quickly patched over by his pride.

He sat up straighter. "So what are you trying to prove? That I'm an unfit father? Wren, did it ever occur to you that if you hadn't suddenly filed for divorce, the house wouldn't be in this kind of mess?"

Mr. Lawson looked up. "Mr. Langford, should we interpret your statement to mean that you attribute all of the child's recent psychological stress solely to Ms. Whitaker exercising her legal right to divorce?"

Lawrence shot him a freezing glare.

"I am talking to her."

"But we are in a courthouse today," Mr. Lawson said, setting his pen down. "Every word you say will serve as a basis for our evaluation of the future custody environment."

Eleanor trembled with rage. "Are you threatening us?"

"I am documenting," Mr. Lawson replied in a flat tone.

Ms. Halloway placed the documents into the case file and pondered for a moment. "Mr. Langford, Ms. Whitaker, it appears both parties have significant disagreements regarding the divorce and the arrangements for the child. Given that your minor child is already showing obvious signs of psychological distress, it is inappropriate to continue bringing these adult conflicts to him."

She looked at Lawrence. "Mr. Langford, would you be willing to undergo The Family Communication Assessment? This would include a joint session with Ms. Whitaker."

Lawrence frowned.

Eleanor immediately chimed in. "Why would a Langford child need any assessment? He’s just flustered because of all the fuss she’s making. He’ll be fine once she comes home."

Wren closed her eyes.

When she opened them, she looked at Ms. Halloway. "I am willing to participate, but on two conditions."

"Go ahead."

"First, during the Observation Period, no one is allowed to pick up Leo from school without my permission. That includes the Langford elders."

The photo sat on the table for a long time.

Lawrence didn't reach out to take it.

Eleanor didn't utter another insult.

Ms. Halloway jotted down a few lines in her notes before finally announcing, "Mediation is suspended for today. The court will arrange the next steps based on the willingness of both parties. Regarding the child, I strongly suggest you complete a Communication Assessment first and submit feedback from the school and Dr. Aris. The date for the next mediation session will be sent out later."

Suspended for today.

When those words fell, Wren didn't breathe a sigh of relief.

She knew this was only the beginning.

Lawrence wouldn't sign.

The Langford family wouldn't let go either.

They were too used to her arranging everything perfectly, used to her taking a step back, then another, until she was pushed against the wall—and still expecting her to smile and say it was fine.

Now that she had simply pulled her foot back behind that line, they acted as if the entire household had collapsed.