Chapter 8 - THE FALLOUT
The silence in the bedroom was deafening. My mother’s eyes darted from Ethan’s phone to the jade elephant in my hands, the reality of her trap closing in on her.
"You can't use that," Mom stammered, the color completely draining from her face. "It's inadmissible. You broke into my home!"
"Vanessa is on the lease, Linda," Daniel said, stepping out from behind Ethan. He adjusted his glasses, his lawyer persona fully activated. "She has every legal right to be here, and to invite us inside. The recording is completely legal."
Mom collapsed onto the edge of her pristine white duvet, burying her face in her hands. For the first time in my life, she didn't look terrifying. She looked small. Pathetic.
"If you submit that video, they'll lock me away," she whispered.
"They will," I said, walking toward her. I didn't feel anger anymore. Just a deep, profound exhaustion. "Tomorrow morning, Daniel is taking the stamp and the video to the probate judge. The injunction will be lifted."
"Lyra, please—"
"I’m not finished," I said, my voice steady. "I own Vanessa’s $180,000 debt. Grandma bought it. Which means the federal government isn't looking for Vanessa anymore. I am."
Vanessa gasped behind me, but I didn't turn around. I kept my eyes on my mother.
"I am forgiving Vanessa's debt," I told her. "Because she was a victim of your manipulation. But you, Mom? You are going to face the consequences of the forged will. You are going to answer for the identity theft."
"You're destroying your own family!" Mom shrieked, looking up with wild eyes.
"No," I replied, twisting the $95,000 blue diamond ring on my finger. "I'm protecting it."
I turned and walked out of the apartment. Vanessa, Ethan, and Daniel followed me, leaving my mother alone in the pristine, quiet ruin of her own making.
In the hallway, Vanessa slumped against the wall, sobbing quietly into her hands. I walked over and pulled my older sister into a hug. She stiffened at first, so unused to comfort without conditions, before collapsing against my shoulder.
"I'm so sorry, Lyra," she cried into my coat. "I'm so sorry for everything."
"I know," I whispered, holding her tight. "It's over. We're safe now."
May you like
I looked up and caught Ethan's eye. He gave me a small, respectful nod. We weren't family anymore, but we had finally done right by each other.
"Let's go home," Daniel said gently.
