Chapter 7 - The Fallout
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The next forty-eight hours were a hurricane of public humiliation for Carter Defense Systems.
Madison attempted to go on a local news program the following morning, claiming that the military had made a "clerical error" and that the executive board deserved the credit for the contract.
She conveniently failed to mention the private investigator or the assault on my son.
By noon that same day, the board of directors held an emergency meeting. Facing immense pressure from the Department of Defense and severe public backlash, they officially terminated Madison Carter’s employment. She was stripped of her executive title, her stock options, and her company car.
At 6:12 a.m. on Saturday, my phone rang.
I sat at my kitchen table, watching my father’s name flash on the screen. I let it ring four times before answering.
"Emily," my father’s voice came through the speaker, frail and broken. "I... I watched the news reports."
I remained silent, listening to his heavy breathing.
"I failed you," he sobbed, the stoic patriarch completely dismantled. "I failed you and I failed my grandson. I let Madison manipulate me because I was terrified of losing the company... I was blind, Emily. So blind."
"You chose to be blind, Dad," I said quietly.
"Can I come see you? Can we talk?" he pleaded.
"Not today," I answered firmly. "I need time. Liam needs time."
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Later that afternoon, a courier delivered a hand-written letter from my mother. In her neat script, she confessed that she had spent years favoring Madison because Madison offered flash and prestige, while I offered quiet duty. She begged for a chance to see Liam.
I placed the letter in a drawer. Forgiveness is a personal choice, but trust is something that must be earned back inch by inch.
