Chapter 19 - Who Is His Father?
Elijah filed for emergency guardianship.
Leonard also filed a paternity claim from jail.
His attorney argued that biological rights could not be ignored.
Naomi testified at the hearing by video from the hospital.
“Toby identifies Elijah as his father. Removing him now would cause additional trauma.”
Leonard’s attorney asked whether Elijah’s negligence contributed to the poisoning.
Naomi answered honestly.
“Yes. His company culture and decisions helped create the conditions.”
Elijah looked down.
“But negligence is not the same as attempting to murder a child,” Naomi continued. “Elijah brought Toby to the hospital immediately, cooperated with investigators, and has remained present.”
Cassandra’s attorney requested visitation rights.
The judge denied them temporarily.
Elijah spoke last.
“I failed to see what was happening in my home and company. I cannot undo that.”
He looked toward the camera connected to Toby’s hospital room.
“But I have been his father every morning he woke from nightmares, every birthday, every scraped knee, every bedtime story. Biology explains how he was born. It does not explain who stayed.”
The judge granted temporary guardianship to Elijah, supervised by child services.
Leonard’s paternity rights were suspended pending criminal trial.
Toby remained with the man he called Dad.
After the hearing, Elijah sat beside Naomi in the hospital cafeteria.
“Thank you.”
“I testified for Toby.”
“I know.”
He paused.
“I once asked you to trust promises instead of evidence.”
Naomi looked at him.
“Yes.”
May you like
“I won’t ask again.”
For the first time, he understood that remorse did not entitle him to forgiveness.
