The phone call hung in the air like an unresolved chord, vibrating with tension and years of unspoken words. I knew my parents would come crawling back when they needed something. They always did. But this was different. This time, they wanted my help.
What Diane didn’t realize was that I had spent my entire career preparing for this moment. Every late night, every case file, every sleepless weekend had led me to this point. I understood the intricacies of the law better than most. More importantly, I understood the intricacies of people like Diane and Scott—people who believed they could manipulate those around them with charm and empty promises.
I let out a sigh, the weight of past grievances pressing on my chest. Grandpa’s words echoed in my mind, “Law without empathy is just power wearing a robe.” It was a lesson in restraint, a reminder that justice isn’t about vengeance. It was about balance, about ensuring that everyone received their due, whether they deserved it or not.
