Page 217 of Toxic Temptation
I keep my face neutral, but inside, satisfaction blooms warm in my chest. Derek is practically shimmying with excitement beside me.
“My wife is innocent of any wrongdoing,” Ihor interrupts icily. “We’re confident her name will be cleared once the facts come to light.”
“‘The facts’?” Judge Latimer’s eyebrows rise. “You mean the facts that include a substantial quantity of cocaine found hidden in your eight-year-old stepson’s bedroom?”
The pieces click into place. Osip’s harebrained plan, the way he and Pavel were both avoiding work this morning… All to dothis?!It’s the dumbest shit I’ve ever heard.
It’s also fucking brilliant.
“The drugs were planted,” Ihor asserts through gritted teeth. His gaze slides to me, cold and murderous. “I’m certain of it.”
“Are you making an accusation, Mr. Makhova? Because if you are, I’ll need substantially more evidence than loaded glances across my courtroom. And if you don’t have any evidence, then I suggest you keep your eyes to yourself.”
Ihor’s jaw works silently. “No accusation at this time, Your Honor.”
Judge Latimer nods curtly. “Very well then. Given the circumstances surrounding Mrs. Makhova’s arrest, and considering the thorough evaluation provided by Social Services, this court awards full custody of the minor child Luka Krayev to his uncle, Kovan Krayev.”
The gavel comes down with finality.
That’s it.I’ve won.
Derek claps me on the shoulder. “Congratulations, Kovan. That was even easier than expected.”
Judge Latimer fixes me with a serious look. “Mr. Krayev, custody cases involving the removal of a child from their birth parent are never taken lightly. However, the evidence presented—including glowing reports from Ms. Murphy and the clear stability of your home environment—makes this decision clear-cut.”
I give him a half-bow, still reeling with shock. “Thank you, Your Honor.”
“Mrs. Makhova will be permitted supervised visitation at public locations—pending the resolution of her legal troubles, of course. I strongly suggest she seek rehabilitation and distance herself from any individuals who might compromise her son’s wellbeing.”
His pointed look at Ihor makes it clear who he’s referring to.
“Understood, Your Honor.”
“Mr. Makhova, I recommend you return home and reassess your priorities. We’re adjourned.”
The gavel bangs again, and it’s over.
Ihor pushes past his useless lawyer without a word, shooting me one last look of pure hatred before disappearing through the courthouse doors. He knows he’s been outmaneuvered, but this isn’t over between us.
Men like Ihor don’t accept defeat gracefully.
I’ll deal with that problem later, though. Right now, I have more important things to focus on.
I find Osip and Pavel waiting by my car in the courthouse parking lot, both trying to look casual and failing miserably.
“You beautiful, idiotic bastards.” I pull Osip into a rough embrace, slapping his back hard enough to bruise.
“The drugs were already in the house,” Osip explains, clearly proud of himself. “We just needed them relocated to somewhere that would guarantee Yana’s arrest.”
“How?”
“Pavel’s new girlfriend.” Osip smirks. “Emelda, the housekeeper. Promised her a better job with us if she moved a few packages from the master bedroom to Luka’s room before the social worker’s surprise visit.”
I stare at my brother. “You seduced the maid to win a custody battle?”
“I prefer ‘charmed,’” Pavel says innocently. “And lest you think I’m not a man of my word, I’m absolutely going to follow through on that job offer. She deserves better than working for those rabid animals. I’ll follow through on the date, too,although that’s got a little bit more of a selfish motive. She’s got curves that do not quit.”
I can only shake my head, amazed by their ingenuity. “And the social worker just happened to do a surprise inspection?”
