Chapter 12 - The Betrayal
The pressure finally broke Chloe. Facing a potential felony theft charge and conspiracy to commit child abuse, she realized her parents couldn't buy her out of this one.
Eleanor called me with a triumphant laugh. "You will never believe what just happened at the District Attorney's office."
"Tell me," I said, holding Mia as she colored in her new sketchpad.
"Chloe took a plea deal," Eleanor said. "Her lawyer threw Beatrice under the bus to save her own skin. Chloe handed over her entire text history with her mother. Apparently, Beatrice has been trying to find a way to get rid of you for months. She actively instructed Chloe to steal the necklace so they could plant it on you. When Mia walked into the room instead, they pivoted."
My blood ran cold. It was premeditated.
"Chloe is testifying against her own parents in exchange for probation and community service," Eleanor continued. "Arthur is looking at actual prison time for the assault, and Beatrice is facing years for felony child abuse and conspiracy. The DA is absolutely salivating."
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"And David?" I asked.
"Oh, David is next. I found the money, Clara. And it is glorious."
