Chapter 15 - The Mother-in-Law’s Collapse
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As soon as they reached the hospital lobby, news cameras were already waiting.
Evelyn had tipped off local court reporters that a major arrest involving a high-profile corporate executive was taking place. Flashing camera bulbs illuminated Derek and Brenda’s pale, terrified faces as officers loaded them into the back of separate police cruisers.
Brenda completely broke down on the pavement outside the sliding glass doors. Her legs gave out, and she collapsed into a sobbing heap, clutching at the police officer’s trousers.
“It was Derek’s idea!” Brenda wailed, her voice captured crystal-clear by three television microphones. “He told me to hit her! He said we had to scare her so she wouldn't check her bank accounts! Don't take me to jail! I’m an old woman!”
Inside the squad car, Derek heard his mother’s panicked confession through the open window. He slammed his forehead against the bulletproof glass barrier, shouting obscenities at her through the divider.
The image of the powerful, arrogant Derek Vance sobbing hysterically in the back of a police car while his mother blamed him for everything was broadcast live on the afternoon news.
Inside my hospital room, Evelyn poured two glasses of sparkling water from a fresh bottle, handing one to me.
“To your freedom, Abigail,” Evelyn said, clinking her glass against mine.
I took a sip, feeling a profound, weightless relief washing over my body for the first time in five years.
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“It’s not over yet, is it?” I asked, looking at the stack of financial documents Evelyn had placed on my tray table.
“The criminal part is just beginning,” Evelyn smiled darkly. “And the civil destruction of Derek Vance is going to be my personal masterpiece.”
