Chapter 16 - VANESSA ON THE STAND

Vanessa took a plea deal. Not because she was sorry. Because she was terrified of prison. In exchange for a reduced sentence on several charges, she agreed to testify against Mercer and Gregory.

The courtroom was packed. Naomi sat behind the prosecutor. Vanessa entered without diamonds, cameras or stylists. The prosecutor asked, “Why did you hire Colin Mercer?” Vanessa looked at Naomi.

“Because I was jealous.” “Of what?” “Her.” “Why?” Vanessa swallowed. “Because Ethan respected her.” The courtroom went silent. “And he did not respect you?” Tears filled Vanessa’s eyes. “Not in the same way.” “What did you want Mercer to find?” “Something ugly.” “When he found nothing?” “I told him to keep looking.” “When he suggested fabricating evidence?” Vanessa stared down.

Instead she felt tired. The prosecutor played the engagement-party video. The kick. The caught ankle.

“Why did you attack Ms. Reyes?” Vanessa began crying. “Because she wouldn’t be afraid of me.” That answer surprised everyone. Even Naomi.

Vanessa looked directly at her. Everyone apologized. Everyone tried to keep me happy.” Her voice broke. “She just stood there.” For the first time, Vanessa sounded honest.

“I hated her because I couldn’t make her feel small.” Naomi’s throat tightened. Vanessa’s lawyer stood for cross-examination. Before he could speak, Vanessa said, “I’m sorry.” The judge frowned. “Ms.

Sterling—” Vanessa kept looking at Naomi. “I know that doesn’t fix anything.” Naomi did not nod. Did not forgive her publicly. Some apologies were the beginning of accountability, not the end of it.

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Outside court, reporters shouted for a response. Naomi gave them one sentence. “Strength is not making someone smaller so you can feel bigger.” By evening, the quote was everywhere. But Naomi cared about only one message.

It came from Lily. YOU FINALLY SAID IT OUT LOUD.