The CEO's Rejected Wife And Secret Heir novel Chapter 154

Chapter 154: Chapter 154: Court Section

Aria pov

"Yes. I, left Ravenwood, and built a new life. A safe life for my son."

"And during this time, did your parents attempt to contact you?"

"No." I met the judge’s eyes. "Not once in those years. No calls, no emails, no attempts to find me or see if I was okay. Complete silence until" I paused. "Until they saw the news of my return to Ravenwood with Noah."

"And then?"

"Then suddenly they wanted a relationship." I couldn’t keep the bitterness from my voice. "Not because they cared about Noah. But because they saw an opportunity. Access to Damien through their grandson. A way to profit from my life again."

"Thank you, Ms. Monroe." Jessica returned to her seat. "Your witness, Mr. Sterling."

Sterling approached, all false sympathy. "Ms. Monroe, isn’t it true that you harbored resentment toward your parents for arranging your first marriage?"

"Yes." I wouldn’t lie. "I resented being treated like property."

"And isn’t it possible that this resentment is coloring your judgment? That you’re denying them access to Noah as revenge?"

"No." I looked directly at my father. "I’m protecting my son from the same toxic environment I grew up in. From people who see children as investments rather than individuals. From a family that values money and reputation over love."

"That’s quite an accusation." Sterling’s voice sharpened.

"It’s the truth." I didn’t flinch. "My parents have never asked about Noah’s interests, his personality, what makes him happy. They don’t know his favorite color or food or that he’s obsessed with dinosaurs. They don’t know him because they’ve never cared to know him. And I won’t expose my son to that kind of conditional love."

"Your Honor, Ms. Monroe is clearly biased" Sterling started.

"As is her right." Judge Morrison cut him off. "She’s the child’s mother. Her testimony regarding her parents’ behavior is relevant. Do you have actual evidence to contradict her claims, Mr. Sterling? Phone records showing attempted contact? Gifts sent? Letters written?"

Sterling’s silence was damning. "I thought not." The judge made a note. "Ms. Jessica, do you have additional witnesses?"

"Yes, Your Honor." Jessica stood. "We’d like to call Dr. Sarah Peterson, Noah’s pediatrician and child psychologist."

Dr. Peterson was sworn in, professional and calm.

"Dr. Peterson, how long have you known Noah Blackwood?"

"Since he was one year old. I’ve been his pediatrician for his entire life, and I’ve also worked with him and Ms. Monroe on developmental concerns."

"And in your professional opinion, what kind of mother is Ms. Monroe?"

"Exceptional." Dr. Peterson’s voice was warm. "She’s attentive, involved, prioritizes Noah’s emotional and physical wellbeing above everything else. She’s created a stable, loving environment for him."

"Have you ever met Noah’s maternal grandparents?"

"No. In the years of treating Noah, they’ve never attended an appointment, never called to check on him, never been mentioned by Noah himself." She paused. "Which is unusual. Most children talk about their extended family. Noah has never mentioned having grandparents."

"And if the court were to grant visitation rights, what would be your professional opinion on the impact?"

Dr. Peterson’s expression turned serious. "Introducing strangers into a child’s life—especially strangers claiming familial rights without having built a relationship—can be deeply confusing and distressing. Noah is a sensitive, intelligent child who’s recently undergone significant changes with his father entering his life. Adding more unknowns could be detrimental to his emotional stability."

"Thank you, Doctor." Jessica returned to her seat.

Sterling’s cross-examination was brief and ineffective. He couldn’t shake Dr. Peterson’s testimony or her professional opinion.

Next came Noah’s preschool teacher, then Olivia, then—surprisingly—Lucas, who testified about what he’d witnessed of my parenting and my parents’ complete absence from Noah’s life.

Finally, Damien took the stand. "Mr. Blackwood," Jessica began. "You’re Noah’s father, correct?"

"Yes." His voice was firm. "Biologically and in every way that matters."

"And you’re engaged to Ms. Monroe?"

"Yes. We’re getting married next month."

"Can you describe the Monroe family’s involvement with Noah since you entered his life?"

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