Page 178 of Silver Fox Puck

But Marcus?

Marcus smirks.

Like he was waiting for this exact moment.

My fists press tight.

Lauren’s lawyer just painted me as an absent father—someone too caught up in my career to prioritize my own daughter.

But Marcus? Marcus looks downright amused.

He stands smoothly, adjusting his tie. And when he speaks, his voice is calm. Calculated. Deadly.

“Your Honor, let’s address this concern head-on,” Marcus begins, turning slightly toward me. “Mr. Maddox is not just a hockey coach—he’s a father who has structured his entire life around his daughter.”

Lauren’s lawyer doesn’t flinch.

But Lauren?

I see the slight tightening of her jaw. Because she knows what’s coming.

Marcus glances at me.

“Mr. Maddox, can you explain your work schedule?”

I clear my throat, sitting up straighter.

“I work early mornings and afternoons. Team meetings, practices, games. But I also have flexibility—I arrange my schedule to be with Olivia whenever I have her. I do school drop-offs. Pick-ups. Homework. I’m home before bedtime. Every time.”

Marcus nods approvingly.

“So you would say your career is flexible when it comes to parenting?”

I meet the judge’s gaze.

“Yes, absolutely.”

Then Marcus turns the knife.

“Your Honor, I’d like to enter Exhibit A into evidence.”

He slides a thick file across the table.

Lauren’s lawyer glances at it.

Lauren’s lips press together.

Marcus smiles.

“This is a detailed calendar of every single parenting time exchange between my client and Ms. Carter. You’ll see that despite her claims, Mr. Maddox has never missed a single scheduled weekend with his daughter. Not once.”

Lauren’s face barely flickers.

But I see it.

A tiny shift.

A crack in her mask.

---