Chapter 4 - The Calm Before the Storm
The day before the gala, Bennett made a desperate move. He requested a mediation session. Evelyn advised against it, but I told her to accept. I needed him to feel confident. I needed him to believe he still had the upper hand.
We met in a glass-walled conference room at his lawyer’s firm. I wore a simple, elegant black dress that accentuated my pregnancy. I looked serene. Untouchable. Bennett looked like he hadn't slept in a week.
To my surprise, Margot was sitting next to him. She looked smaller than she had in the hospital hallway. Her designer clothes couldn't hide the dark circles under her eyes. The impending felony charge was clearly taking its toll.
"Tessa," Bennett began, putting on his best boardroom voice. "I'm glad you finally agreed to meet. We need to end this circus." "I agree," I said softly.
Bennett's lawyer slid a thick folder across the table. "My client is prepared to offer a very generous settlement. You keep the house, a lump sum of two million dollars, and full custody of the child." Evelyn didn't even touch the folder. She just raised an eyebrow at me.
"And in exchange?" I asked. Bennett leaned forward. "In exchange, you drop the charges against Margot. You sign a strict Non-Disclosure Agreement. And you attend the gala tomorrow night."
I almost laughed. He wanted me to play the dutiful, forgiving wife one last time. He needed my presence at the gala to reassure his wealthy donors that the rumors of our messy split were false. He wanted me to be his shield.
Margot finally spoke, her voice venomous. "Take the money, Tessa. It's more than you deserve. You're just being bitter because he chose me." Bennett shot her a warning glare, but he didn't correct her.
I looked at Margot. I didn't see a rival. I saw a pawn. "Margot," I said gently. "Do you actually know how much trouble you're in?" She scoffed. "My lawyers will get the footage thrown out. It's circumstantial."
She didn't know. Bennett hadn't told her that Chief Miller had already handed the crystal-clear HD video over to the District Attorney. Bennett was letting her believe she was safe, just to keep her quiet.
I looked back at Bennett. His eyes pleaded with me. Please play along. Please save me. I reached out and placed my hand on the folder. Bennett exhaled, a triumphant smirk ghosting across his lips. He thought he had bought me.
"I will attend the gala tomorrow night," I said, my voice smooth as glass. Bennett's smile widened. "Thank you, Tessa. I knew you'd see reason."
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"But," I continued, sliding the folder back across the table, untouched. "I won't be signing anything today. I want to review the terms over the weekend." Bennett's lawyer frowned, but Bennett waved him off. "Fine. Take the weekend. Just be at the ballroom by 7 PM."
I stood up. Evelyn gathered her things, a terrifying smirk on her face. "We'll see you tomorrow, Bennett," I said. I walked out of the room, feeling the baby kick against my ribs. She was ready too.
