later in the conference room of Lena’s law firm.

My parents arrived furious.

Madison arrived wearing sunglasses indoors, still carrying the confidence of someone who believed blood made her untouchable.

Dad threw a legal notice onto the table.

“Call off the police complaint.”

I sat across from them with Lena on my right and a Sterling attorney on my left.

“No.”

Mom’s voice cracked like a whip.

“We are your parents.”

“You were also the people on camera destroying my business.”

Madison scoffed.

“It’s a family dispute.”

The Sterling attorney opened a binder.

“No. It is a commercial loss affecting insured assets, employees, contracts, and a pending acquisition.”

For the first time, Madison stopped smiling.

Lena slid three photographs across the table:

Dad forcing the rear door.

Mom smashing inventory.

Madison pointing toward the refrigeration unit.

Then she placed the security-audio transcript beside them.

Dad’s face drained.

Mom