The courtroom fell silent as Hazel spoke, her small voice cutting through the tension. Judge Thornwell slammed the gavel. “Bailiff, detain Mr. Greystone. Child, please continue.”

Hazel’s courage was unwavering. “Daddy said if we lived with him, he’d get Grandma’s money. He said it was his only chance to fix his business mistakes.”

The courtroom gasped. Roland’s façade crumbled under the truth. Even the judge seemed taken aback.

“Thank you for being brave and honest,” Judge Thornwell said to Hazel. My heart swelled with pride. My little girl had protected us, exposing the lies Roland had built.

Investigations into his finances began, revealing his selfish motives. Outside, I held Hazel and Timmy close. The storm was passing. We had survived, stronger together, reminded that even the smallest voices can make the biggest impact.