Chapter 3 - The Price of Silence
Three days later, Sarah opened her eyes in a private recovery room. The room was filled with flowers, but none of them were from the Harrisons. Julian Vance had personally upgraded her suite and placed private security at the door.
"Mark..." Sarah croaked, her throat dry.
Mark, who hadn't slept or shaved in seventy-two hours, instantly stood up from his chair and leaned over her, kissing her forehead. "I'm here, baby. I'm right here."
"The baby?"
"He's in the NICU, Sarah. He's a fighter. Just like his mom. They named him Leo, just like we planned. You can see him via the monitor right here." Mark turned a screen toward her, showing a tiny, beautiful baby boy breathing with the help of a small CPAP machine. Tears streamed down Sarah's face.
The door opened quietly, and Julian Vance stepped inside, followed by a sharp-looking woman in a tailored grey suit.
"Sarah, my dear," Julian said softly. "I am so incredibly sorry for what happened at the gala. This is Victoria Vance, my daughter and the top criminal prosecutor in the state. She is taking your case."
Victoria stepped forward, opening a thick dossier. "Sarah, your father is currently out on a massive bail, but his world is crumbling. The video has gone viral globally. Harrison Enterprises has lost 40% of its market value in three days. But your mother and sister are trying to spin a narrative. They are claiming you had a history of mental instability and that you threw yourself down the stairs to frame them."
Sarah’s breath hitched. "They... they said that?"
"They did," Victoria nodded grimly. "Eleanor filed a statement claiming you were unstable due to the IVF hormones. But we have a counter-strategy. We need you to sign a release for your full medical records to prove the physical trauma, and we need your formal deposition. We are going for maximum sentencing. No plea deals."
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Sarah looked at the monitor displaying her fragile son in the NICU. The fear that had dictated her entire life under Eleanor's thumb suddenly burned away, replaced by an icy, protective fury.
"Give me the pen," Sarah said, her voice steady and resolute. "I am going to destroy them."
