Chapter 24 - The Legal Decision|
Despite Lily’s refusal to submit a statement, the parole board hearing proceeded. Melissa attended as a formal observer for the estate and called me immediately after the gavel fell.
"Denied," Melissa said, sounding deeply satisfied.
"They denied his early release?" I asked, sitting at my desk.
"Unanimously. It turns out that while Michael completed his anger management courses, he completely failed his psychological evaluations regarding taking personal accountability. He still blames Evelyn for everything. He still refuses to admit that he had a choice in how he treated Anna and Lily."
"So he hasn't learned a single thing."
"Not a damn thing," Melissa confirmed. "The board recognized that a lack of accountability means a high risk of repeating toxic behaviors. He will serve the remaining three years of his sentence."
I thanked Melissa and sent a quick text to Lily updating her on the outcome. Her reply came a few minutes later, containing only a simple "Thumbs Up" emoji. It was exactly the level of emotional investment Michael deserved from her: none.
That evening, I poured myself a small glass of whiskey and stood on the porch, looking out at the quiet neighborhood. I thought about Anna. I thought about how hard she had fought in her final days to ensure that Evelyn and Michael could never trap us again.
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The justice system was flawed, but occasionally, it worked exactly as it was supposed to. Michael would remain in his cell, forced to confront the hollow shell of a life he had built on a foundation of lies and compliance. Evelyn would die in her cell, entirely stripped of the wealth and control she prized above humanity.
And here I was, standing in the quiet evening breeze, completely free. The ghosts of the past were firmly locked behind bars, while my daughter was out in the world, building a life of purpose and light.
