Chapter 26
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Grant paced the floor of his home office, his jaw clenched so tightly it looked like it might shatter. Emma sat quietly on the leather sofa, watching him burn off his immediate, protective rage. They had just received the news about Renata’s parole hearing.
"She doesn't get to breathe free air," Grant growled, stopping by the window. "Not after what she did. I will hire the best litigators in the state. I will bury her medical claims in endless independent reviews. She is not getting out."
"Grant," Emma said softly, but with absolute authority.
He stopped and looked at her.
"You are doing it again," Emma pointed out. "You are trying to use your wealth to control a legal outcome because you are terrified."
"I am trying to protect my daughter!"
"Your daughter is eighteen years old. She doesn't need you to buy her safety. She already told the detective she wants to testify. She wants to face the board."
Grant ran a hand over his face, the fierce corporate titan instantly deflating into a terrified father. "I should have stopped Renata ten years ago. If she gets out, I..."
"If she gets out, she is a sick, powerless woman with a felony record, and Lily is an educated, brilliant young woman with a massive support system," Emma interrupted calmly. "We cannot rig the system to guarantee our comfort. That is what Victor and Owen did. We have to let the system work. We have to let Lily speak."
Grant walked over and sat heavily on the sofa beside Emma. He rested his head in his hands.
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"It goes against every instinct I have," he confessed quietly.
"I know," Emma said, placing a warm hand on his back. "But true protection means letting her fight her own battles, and just standing right behind her while she does it."
