Chapter 4 - Shadows of the Past
A week passed, and the mansion began to feel like a home again. The heavy, oppressive atmosphere that Victoria had introduced was fading. However, the legal battle was turning dirty.
One evening, Richard called Emily into his private study. He looked stressed, a stack of legal folders open before him.
"Victoria's legal team is pivoting," Richard said, rubbing his temples. "Since they can't disprove the audio recordings, they are attacking my fitness as a father. They are claiming that I neglect the boys, leaving them with 'unqualified staff'—meaning you. They are threatening a public custody battle using biased media outlets to force a settlement."
Emily walked over to the desk. "They want money."
"They want fifty million dollars to drop the counter-suit and plead guilty to lesser charges," Richard sighed. "If this goes to a public trial, the media circus will traumatize the boys all over again. The press will dig into everything."
Emily set down the tea she had brought him. "Let them dig. If you pay her, you validate her lie. You show the boys that bad people can win if they threaten loud enough."
Richard looked up at her, amazed by her resolve. "You aren't worried about them digging into your life? They will try to slander you to discredit the boys' testimony."
May you like
Emily smiled faintly. "I have nothing to hide, Mr. Hawthorne. I grew up in foster care, worked three jobs to put myself through school, and have dedicated my life to taking care of children. Let them try."
Richard felt a sudden surge of admiration. He reached out, his hand hovering over hers for a fraction of a second before he pulled back, remembering his boundaries. "Thank you, Emily. Let's fight them."
