Chapter 7 - The Settlement Trap
As the final trial date approached, the Holland family’s legal defense began to unravel completely. Dick Holland’s business faced federal investigation due to the financial audits triggered by the discovery phase, and Carrie Holland accepted a plea deal for perjury to avoid prison time, effectively cutting ties with Eleanor and Vera to save herself.
Isolated, broke, and facing imminent public humiliation, Vera’s legal team reached out to Marcus Webb with a desperate settlement offer.
“They’ll drop all cross-petitions,” Marcus told Blake over speakerphone in the office. “They’ll agree to a quiet divorce, zero spousal support, and permanent sole custody for you, provided you sign a non-disclosure agreement regarding the corporate investigations and the night of the party.”
Blake looked out the window, watching the Chicago traffic flow steadily along the street below.
“No NDA,” Blake said firmly.
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“Blake, take the win,” Marcus urged. “An NDA standardizes the exit. If you push for a public trial, it’s going to drag the Hollands through the dirt, but it’ll keep the litigation going for another six months.”
“Some things shouldn't be swept under a rug with a signature, Marcus,” Blake replied calmly. “Accountability has to be public, or people like Eleanor and Vera will just find another family to terrorize next time.”
