Chapter 18 - Face to Face
The next time I saw my family was in the sterile, fluorescent-lit mediation room of the courthouse. They looked completely broken. My parents had aged ten years in a matter of months, and Chloe was wearing a plain, unremarkable sweater—a far cry from her usual designer couture. She couldn't even bring herself to meet my gaze.
Our lead attorney laid out the non-negotiable terms: Chloe was to record a public, unscripted video apology to be posted across all major platforms, explicitly admitting her lies and malicious intent. In exchange, Liam would not pursue the financial damages that would force them into absolute destitution.
My parents, hands trembling violently, forced Chloe to sign the agreement. I looked at them one last time before leaving the room. There was no hatred left in my heart, only a hollow indifference. They were truly just strangers to me now.
