hapter 94
- Settlement
<<. Avery, >>
It’s been over a week since we started officially dating and I have been over the moon. Despite, all the hell that has been happening in my life. I’m happy and content.
But today, I am a little anxious.
Last night dad called and said Della and Ethan want to meet me and settle before the formal pretrial conference.
It’s overall a jarring experience. A few weeks ago, I didn’t even know what it meant.
“Its meeting of the judge and lawyers to review evidence and witnesses, to set a timetable, and to discuss the settlement of the case,” Miles had explained it to me.
Dad said it would be better if I considered it. I didn’t object. Because I know he is struggling too. Uncle Orin told me that dad is considering divorcing Joy. I hate her, but the thought of dad going through divorce made me feel uneasy.
My phone buzzes as I step into the lift. I am at Miles‘ office. We selected this spot for the meeting.
I take out my phone and I grin at the notification.
My Fake husband aka The Real boysister: We are at the conference hall. How long?
Me: 5 min max. I am already in the building.
My Fake husband aka The Real boysister: Move your ass. If we wrap up early, you might get some lollipop to lick.
I roll my eyes. He knows I hate that word.
Me: I might chew it this time.
My Fake husband aka The Real boysister: Ouch.
I take a deep breath before entering the conference room. My father is already here, acting as the mediator. I glance
at the other side of the table, where Nikki, her fiancé Ethan, and their lawyer are sitting.
“Good morning everyone,” I greet as I walk towards Miles and take a seat next to him.
“Good morning Avery,” my lawyer greets.
Fuck, I don’t remember his name.
He turns on a recorder. “As agreed before, we will record this conversation. And a copy will be available to both
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parties. Della Collins wants the case resolved out of court and we’re here to negotiate terms of a particular incident that happened on date.”
1 zone out hearing the blah blah. I should focus, but I still find it hard. As if I am trying to suppress the memories of anything related to it. Honestly, I have realized I want it handled out of the court too.
What are my chances if I let her go?
Even if she is punished by law, she won’t get much longer sentence. I guess I just would have to deal with the fear and be safe in general.
I hope that she will not act stupid again.
“I know it can be hard but Would be great if we come to a resolution, Avery.” I come out of my thoughts as Dad speaks in his calm and collected voice.
I blink and look at him. Did I miss something?
Miles holds my hand under the table, and I slump in my chair, trying to focus.
Nikki clears her throat and speaks up. “I want this to be resolved out of court. I am willing to negotiate terms with Avery.”
I raise my eyebrows at her.
“Negotiate terms? What exactly does that mean?” I ask, my voice dripping with skepticism. “Does it mean you will try not to hire new thugs and send them after me?”
Nikki shifts in her seat and glances at Ethan before speaking. “Come on, Avery… I didn’t do it. But you all are being stubborn and dragging it. It’s damaging us…”
I snort. Let the court prove it, you bitch. I think to myself. She knows she will get jail time if I refuse to settle it here. A shorter sentence, but I am sure she can get it if I refuse to settle.
“Anyway…” she continues, “I want to make things right between us. I know I did wrong by cornering you at that party, but I am willing to pay for the damages and offer a public apology if that makes you happy.”
Even while negotiating, she is not willing to admit she was guilty. So it’s important that I come hard at her.
“We need to establish some ground rules first,” I say firmly. “I want Nikki to be banished from the family business. She can’t be trusted, and I can’t work with her.”
“That’s not fair. Nikki has worked hard for the company, and she deserves her shares.” Ethan’s face turns red as he speaks up.
I want to roll my eyes. I checked the accounts. It’s more like she damaged the company instead of helping.
Ethan knows that cutting out Della means Cable would lose significant hold on Collins constructions. I cannot accuse him officially, but it has to be this way.
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I turn to Ethan, my eyes flashing. “She also tried to ruin my life. I won’t work with someone like that. It’s either her
or me.”
“Let’s take a step back and consider our options here. Perhaps we can come to a compromise,” Dad intervenes in a steady voice.
Nikki nods eagerly, clearly relieved that my father is taking her side. “Yes, I’m open to any suggestions.”
I take a deep breath and try to calm down. Miles strokes my hand. I had discussed this meeting with Miles at home. He had me well prepared for this. But it’s still hard to bite out the words.
“Okay, here’s what I propose,” Miles says when I don’t speak up. “Nikki can keep her shares, but she has to step down from her position in the company. She can still receive profits, but she won’t have any say in the decision–making process.”
Ethan looks unhappy, but says nothing. Nikki looks like she’s considering the proposal.
She murmurs something with Ethan and her lawyer. Then she finally says, “Okay, I’m willing to accept that. But there are more things we need to discuss.”
“But First we want you to give a statement where you mention that things have patched up-” Ethan says and I stare at him.
What happened to her apologizing to the media?
Also that Collins construction and your music company both have trust in Johnson business….. and a reassurance saying all the account fraud news in media are fake.” He glances both at me and dad.
I cannot help but gape at him and Miles snorts.
“Your mess in business had nothing to do with Della, Ethan. Stop pretending that your trouble has any connection with my and Della’s mess.”
Miles nods. “You did dirty business, and the media caught attention because there were fishy things going on. And we don’t owe you shit for that.”
Calbe’s eyes flash in anger and he gets up.
“You will pay for that,” he says and storms out of the conference room.
“Ethan!” Della looks at him confused but stays for the meeting.
The meeting continues for another hour, with both sides arguing and negotiating terms. We do not reach any conclusion, but both sides agree with some points.
After agreeing for a next meeting after a week, we walk out of the conference room.
Dad places a hand on my shoulder while passing me. “Thank you Avery. I’m on your side. It will take a while but I
am glad you agreed for negotiation.. We’ll work this out together,” he says, giving me a small smile.
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“Thanks for being here for me, Dad.”
Miles drags me to his office while I follow him, amused.
“I am not gonna suck your freaking lollipop… Such a childish word. I mean seriously… How old are you? Fifteen?”
He laughs.
“Well, the idea is tempting but no… I want you to meet my-” he goes quiet and frowns.
“Wow,” he says to himself, realizing something.
“Meet your what?” I ask.
He looks at me and adds, “My sister.” As if getting used to the word.
I blink at him. “You have a sister?”
