When the judge asked whether Owen and Miles wished to speak, he offered to hear them privately. Both boys said they wanted Camille to hear what they had to say.
Owen stood first.
“Camille says she left us temporarily,” he said, his voice trembling. “But temporary doesn’t last 10 years.”
The courtroom went silent.
“She doesn’t know Miles had surgery when he was 7. She doesn’t know I’m allergic to bee stings. She doesn’t know our teachers, our friends, or anything about us.”
Then he looked directly at Camille.
“You didn’t come back because you missed us. You came back because you found out Grandma’s company was worth money.”
Camille’s face tightened.
“I heard you in the kitchen,” Owen continued. “You told Grandma to give you 51% of her company or you would take us away and never let her see us again.”
Miles stood beside his brother.
“Grandma never taught us to hate you,” he said. “She always said your leaving wasn’t our fault. But she is our parent. She’s the one who stayed.”
Martin played the recording.
Camille’s own voice filled the courtroom:
Transfer 51% of the company to me, and I’ll withdraw the custody petition.
Then came her threat to take the boys out of state.
