Chapter 17 - Lily Speaks
Vivian's lawyer changed strategy overnight.
They offered a plea on the balcony case in exchange for dropping the investigation into Ava's death.
The prosecutor refused.
Two weeks later, the grand jury returned indictments against Vivian, Conrad, Martin, Celeste, and Darren. The charges ranged from conspiracy and kidnapping to attempted murder, document fraud, and homicide-related offenses in Ava's death.
Lily did not have to testify in open court at first.
Her forensic interview was preserved, and the judge allowed special protections because of her age.
Still, Lily wanted to say one thing.
"I want Daddy to know I told the truth," she said.
Julian sat with her in a quiet room at the child advocacy center.
"I know you did."
"Even when I was scared?"
"Especially then."
Maya stood by the doorway.
Lily looked at her.
"Maya believed me before anybody."
Julian's face tightened with pain.
"Yes," he said. "She did."
That night, Julian asked Maya to sit with him in the kitchen after Lily was asleep.
"I owe you more than an apology."
"You do not owe me money."
"I wasn't going to offer money."
Maya raised an eyebrow.
He almost smiled.
"Okay. I was going to offer money too. But that is not the important part."
He slid a folder across the table.
Inside was an application to a nursing program Maya had once mentioned wanting to finish.
Tuition had been paid anonymously.
Maya pushed it back.
"No."
Julian blinked.
"No?"
"You don't get to turn guilt into a check."
He sat back.
"Fair."
"If you want to help me, testify honestly. Admit what you missed. Don't protect your company or your reputation. Protect Lily."
Julian nodded slowly.
"I can do that."
His phone buzzed.
Rachel Kim had sent an urgent message.
A sealed corporate document had been discovered in Martin Vale's office.
It was signed by Julian.
May you like
At least, it looked signed by Julian.
And if a judge accepted it, Vivian could still claim ownership of the Mercer mansion and millions in company assets.
