Chapter 11 - No Retreat
On Wednesday afternoon, there was a knock on Sarah’s front door. She looked through the peephole and frowned. Standing on her porch was Eleanor Harrington, looking significantly older and more tired than she had at the gala.
Sarah opened the door just a crack, keeping the chain engaged. "What do you want, Eleanor?"
Eleanor produced a sleek leather checkbook from her designer handbag. "Sarah, let’s be reasonable. Julian made a terrible mistake under immense financial pressure. I am prepared to write you a check right now. Six figures. Enough to pay for Lily's college in full. Just call the District Attorney and drop the charges."
Sarah looked at the checkbook, then up at Eleanor’s desperate eyes. She thought of Lily’s terrified screams, the heavy wood shattering, and the blood on her daughter's white ribbon.
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"Your son didn't just make a mistake. He weaponized his power against a child," Sarah said, her voice dropping to a freezing whisper. "Keep your money, Eleanor. You're going to need it for Julian's commissary account."
Sarah shut the door firmly, sliding the deadbolt into place.
