Chapter 7 - The Settlement of Silence
Vance pulled David out of the room for a private consultation. Through the glass walls, we could see Vance gesturing wildly, clearly telling David that he was utterly ruined if he proceeded. David looked broken, his shoulders slumped, his eyes darting around like a trapped animal.
When they returned, Vance looked deflated. "We accept your terms for a mutual dismissal. What are they?"
Elena produced a pre-drafted agreement. "Mr. David will sign a permanent, legally binding non-disclosure and non-disparagement agreement. He is barred from ever contacting Sarah, her husband, her child, or her company. He will sign a lifetime waiver relinquishing any rights to filial support, inheritance claims, or familial relation. He will also agree to a permanent restraining order, requiring him to stay at least 500 yards away from Sarah’s home, workplace, and her son’s school."
"And if he violates any of this?" Vance asked.
"An immediate, non-bailable arrest warrant will be issued, and we will pursue full criminal prosecution," Elena replied.
David stared at the pen in front of him. His hands shook. He looked up at me, one last desperate plea in his eyes. "Sarah... please. I have nowhere else to go. They're going to take my apartment."
May you like
"You told me twenty years ago to figure it out," I said coldly. "Now, it's your turn."
With a trembling hand, David signed the papers.
