Chapter 8 - The Price of Redemption
I stared at the contract in disbelief. "Michael, I can't accept this. This looks like hush money."
"It's not hush money, Emily," Michael said firmly. "It's restitution. My grandmother is a businesswoman, but she is also a woman of principle. She reviewed your portfolio last night. Your firm's work is superior to the agency Victoria recommended. We should have been working with you from the beginning."
"And what about Victoria?" I asked quietly.
Michael sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "The annulment papers were signed this morning. My family is not pressing criminal charges against her on the condition that she repays every cent she stole from your original account within ninety days."
"She doesn't have that kind of money," I noted.
"She will have to sell her apartment, her jewelry, and her car," Michael said flatly. "Your father is selling his shares in his firm to cover the rest. They are paying for their own mistakes now, Emily. Not you."
I looked down at the contract again. It offered my business financial security for years to come. More than that, it offered public vindication.
"I need time to think about this," I said.
May you like
"Take all the time you need," Michael stood up, offering his hand. "And Emily? If you ever need anything... my grandmother and I are in your corner."
I shook his hand, feeling a sense of grounded support I hadn't felt in years outside of Grandma Rose's house.
