Chapter 32 Naomi's Plans

Later That Evening, Hannah’s Office Hannah sat at her sleek desk, her phone in hand, scrolling through messages. Her mind kept returning to Naomi’s threats. She knew this wasn’t over—and worse, she sensed Naomi’s plotting something far darker.

Her phone buzzed with an incoming call. She answered quickly.

“Hello?” “Ms. Balsam, it’s Maddie. I just spoke to a friend who’s been watching the house. Naomi’s leaving the estate in a private car. She seems frantic like she’s planning something.”

Hannah’s heart lurched. “Where is she going?”

“Could be a meeting, maybe with her contacts. We need to move fast.”

“I’ll be there in fifteen minutes,” Hannah said, grabbing her coat. “Get Ethan and the twins ready. We’re not safe yet.”

“Be careful,” Maddie warned.

Hannah hung up, her mind spinning with plans. She knew Naomi wouldn’t stop. She was a predator, a manipulator who played dirty and feared nothing.

Her mind flicked to the courtroom scene. Naomi had warned her. “The past has a way of catching up.” And in her gut, Hannah felt that Naomi’s vengeance was only beginning.

Hannah hurriedly drove toward Naomi’s estate, her car weaving through city streets. She’d arranged for a trusted associate to meet her nearby, someone who could help her keep watch.

Meanwhile, Naomi’s sleek black car disappeared into the night, winding toward an unknown destination. Inside, Naomi sat in silence, her face frozen with resolve.

“You think you can threaten me, Hannah?” Naomi whispered to herself. “I own the game now. Ethan’s my ace.”

She reached into her purse, pulling out a small flash drive. She stared at it for a moment, then smirked. “Time to make sure Hannah never takes Ethan away from me again.”

The following night, hidden in the shadows of an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city, Naomi waits with Charmaine and a few accomplices. Ethan is nearby—safe for now, but Naomi’s plan is in motion.

Suddenly, headlights pierce the darkness. Hannah’s car screeches to a halt just outside. Moment of tense silence.

Hannah steps out cautiously, voice steady yet fierce. “Naomi. Let him go.”

Naomi emerges from the shadows, Ethan clutching her hand desperately.

“This isn’t over, Naomi,” Hannah says, unwavering. “You can’t keep him from his mother. It’s her right.”

Naomi’s eyes flash. “You should have known better, Hannah. Sacrifices have to be made. If you want Ethan back, you’ll have to fight tooth and nail.”

Ethan looks between them, tears shimmering in his eyes. “Mommy, I want to go home.”

Hannah kneels, reaching out for him. “I’m here, Ethan. I’m never leaving you.”

Naomi steps closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. “You think this is over? It’s just begun.”

The next day was the court verdict but Naomi had already stepped forward and made her play.

The courtroom buzzed with murmurs. Hannah sat stiffly in her chair, her heart pounding with anticipation. Across from her, Naomi and Charmaine looked composed, though their eyes betrayed a flicker of unease.

The judge’s gavel echoed. Silence fell.

Judge: “This court has reviewed all evidence, testimonies, and legal arguments concerning the custody of Ethan Carter. After careful consideration, the court rules…”

He paused dramatically, his eyes scanning the room, then continued:

Judge: 

“Effective immediately, custody of Ethan Wright is awarded to Ms. Hannah Wright, with supervised visitation rights granted to Naomi Waverly and Charmaine, subject to court review in six months.”

A collective sigh swept through the room like some relief, some of tension was relieved. 

Hannah’s eyes flickered with a mixture of relief and nerves. Ethan sat nearby, clutching a small stuffed animal with his eyes wide, confused. 

Ethan had been quiet through the proceedings, but as the verdict was announced, he looked at Hannah, then at Naomi and Charmaine. He was merely five, unable fully to grasp the complex legal battles, but he felt the shifting energy around him.

He looked at Hannah with wide, uncertain eyes, sensing her anxiety and hope. Slowly, he looked at Charmaine, who was whispering hurriedly to Naomi, her face anxious, but Ethan’s gaze was starting to change.

He said to himself. “Mom looks happy. Maybe she will take me home now? Charmaine says I should listen to her, but… she always scolds me. She doesn’t hug me like Mom does. Mom smells like the garden. Charmaine smells like her perfume. I don’t like her. I miss Daddy too. But… I want to be with Mom. I want her to hold me and tell me everything’s okay.

As Hannah watches Ethan’s face, her stomach tightens. She softly kneels and opens her arms.

Hannah

“Ethan, come here, sweetheart.”

Ethan hesitates, staring at Charmaine, then at Hannah’s inviting arms. For a moment, he looks back at Naomi, who is watching him with an icy expression. Then, slowly, he shuffles toward Hannah.

Charmaine's face darkens, her lips pressing into a thin line.

“Ethan, go back to Naomi. She’s your grandmother. You need to listen to her.”

Ethan instinctively pulls back, clutching Hannah’s hand more tightly.

Ethan,”No! I want Mommy.”

Hannah’s eyes fill with tears, but she holds Ethan gently. She looks at Charmaine with a mixture of sorrow and resolve.

Hannah,  “Ethan, sweetheart, I’m right here. I’ll always be here for you. You’re safe with me now.”

The boy’s little face crumples as if fighting an internal battle. His eyes flicker nervously between the courtroom, Charmaine, and Hannah.

Ethan, “I want to stay with Mommy.  Please”

A hush falls. Charmaine’s face twists with anger.

Charmaine:  “Don’t listen to him! He belongs with his family, his real family.

But Ethan, clutching Hannah’s hand, looks directly at her, tears brimming.

Ethan: “I don’t want Charmaine. I want Mommy.”

Hannah’s heart swelled. She gently strokes Ethan’s hair.

Hannah: 

“You’re doing so brave, honey. I’m taking you home soon. You’ll see, everything will be okay.”

Ethan nods slowly, small fists clutching Hannah’s shirt.

After the Verdict: As they leave the courtroom, Ethan’s grip tightens around Hannah’s hand. His mind races with images of Naomi's cold face, Charmaine’s angry words, but mostly his mother’s warm smile and gentle touch.

In the car, Ethan finally speaks softly, voice barely above a whisper.

Ethan:

“Mommy I like you best. Charmaine makes me sad sometimes. She yells and hits me.”

Hannah’s eyes brim with tears of relief. She squeezes his tiny hand.

Hannah:

“Oh, sweetheart, I’m so sorry she’s made you feel that way. I promise I’ll do everything I can to make you happy.”