“Leave.”
Vanessa smiled.
“You have until tomorrow morning to reconsider.”
She left the bottle on the railing and walked home.
The door had barely closed when Irvin rubbed both hands over his face.
“Don’t get angry, but maybe we should think about it.”
I stared at him.
“We know the truth,” he said. “She knows the truth. Why risk losing six years of your work over an apology nobody important would believe?”
“Because if I do that, she learns she can hurt us until we say whatever she wants.”
“And if you don’t, you could lose your business.”
Neither of us was completely wrong.
That was the worst part.
The next morning, Vanessa escalated.
Neighbors began messaging me.
She had started sharing screenshots of conversations with Irvin.
Can you come over? I need you.
Give me ten minutes.
You’re a lifesaver ❤️
Anytime.
Standing alone, the messages looked warm.
