Chapter 9 – Rain-Washed Goodbye

The conference room was lined with chrome and judgment.

Elaine stood alone at the end of a long table, facing her father, James, Lucia, and three suited lawyers.

No one offered her a seat.

Lucia looked radiant in cream, her hand bandaged just enough to stir sympathy. “This isn’t personal,” she murmured.

Elaine said nothing.

Her father cleared his throat. “We’ve prepared a full separation agreement. You’ll waive all marital claims.”

“I already signed the divorce,” Elaine replied. “What more do you want?”

“Silence,” he said.

Lucia folded her hands sweetly. “And dignity. For all of us.”

Elaine looked at James.

He stared at the table, not her.

“You still think I pushed you,” she said flatly.

Lucia’s eyes glistened. “People saw. Security footage is inconclusive. The court of public opinion—”

“I lost my child!” Elaine snapped.

Silence.

Her father finally spoke. “This will go easier if you don’t dramatize things.”

Elaine laughed bitterly. “You mean, if I don’t grieve.”