Chapter 17 - Lily sat at a quiet corner table in a small, unassuming coffee shop downtown.
She checked her watch, her stomach fluttering with a nervous, profound anticipation.
She had reached out to the woman who had sent her the anonymous letter.
Through a secure email address provided by her lawyer, she had arranged this meeting.
The bell above the door chimed softly.
A woman walked in, looking around with the frantic, exhausted eyes of a hunted animal.
She was wearing a heavy coat despite the warm weather, as if trying to hide herself from the world.
Lily stood up, offering a gentle, non-threatening smile.
"Sarah?" Lily asked quietly.
The woman nodded, her shoulders dropping slightly as she recognized Lily from the news broadcasts.
Sarah sat down across from her, her hands trembling violently as she gripped the edge of the table.
"I didn't think you would actually want to meet me," Sarah whispered.
"I am a complete mess right now."
"I was a mess too, Sarah," Lily said, her voice steady and grounding.
"I know exactly how terrifying it is to leave the cage."
"He froze all our joint accounts," Sarah sobbed quietly, tears spilling over her cheeks.
"He told my parents that I am having a mental breakdown."
"He hired the most expensive law firm in the city, and I can't even afford a consultation."
Lily listened carefully, recognizing every single calculated tactic.
It was the exact same playbook Richard had used.
Isolate the victim, destroy their credibility, and starve them financially until they crawl back.
Lily didn't offer empty platitudes or tell Sarah that everything would magically be okay.
She reached into her purse and pulled out a thick, legal folder and a black business card.
"This is the name of my lead attorney," Lily said, sliding the card across the table.
"He is expecting your call this afternoon."
Sarah looked at the card, confusion mixing with her despair.
"I told you, Lily, I have absolutely no money."
"You don't need money," Lily replied, her eyes burning with fierce, protective authority.
"My father and I have established a retainer specifically for cases like yours."
"We are going to pay your legal fees, Sarah."
"We are going to hire forensic accountants to find the money he is hiding from you."
Sarah gasped, covering her mouth as a fresh wave of tears fell, this time out of pure relief.
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"Why are you doing this for me?" Sarah asked.
"Because no one should have to fight a monster alone," Lily answered.
