Hours later, while Gracie finally drifted into a fitful, medicated sleep, Carolina arrived at the hospital with her mother, Bonnie.

Bonnie marched into the room first, clutching a designer handbag, draped in jewelry, wearing an expression of pure, unbridled indignation—as if she were the one who’d been wronged by the system.

“Sawyer, this is an absolute disgrace,” she declared, ignoring the medical staff completely. “How could you possibly drag this poor girl to a hospital and treat my daughter like she’s some kind of violent criminal?”

Carolina trailed behind her, her eyes rimmed red, though it was clear to Sawyer it wasn’t from remorse but from sheer rage.

“I’ve already talked to my attorney,” Carolina announced, glaring at him. “If you even think about trying to take my daughter away from me, I’ll make sure the whole world knows the truth about your neglect.”

Sawyer slowly stood to face her, his height and presence dwarfing them both. “What truth exactly do you think you’re going to tell?” he asked quietly.