Chapter 17 - The Plea Agreement
Months later, facing the video, the financial records, and the testimony, Adrian accepted a plea agreement covering sabotage, reckless endangerment, theft of the audit folder, and the financial scheme. The judge would determine the final sentence after hearing statements from the affected parties.
Julian gave a statement about the foundation's failures and his own lack of oversight. He did not pretend that the Vance name made the institution innocent. He committed to repaying the stolen funds and supporting the new safety program.
Elena spoke about the moment she saw the glass shift. She did not describe herself as a hero. She said she had seen a child in danger and acted.
Maya submitted a statement on Noah's behalf, explaining the nightmares, the fear of public events, and the progress he had made with counseling. Noah did not attend the hearing. He was five, and no one needed him to watch adults argue about whether his memory mattered.
After the hearing, Julian received a message from Adrian's attorney. Adrian wanted to apologize to Noah in person.
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Julian read it, then asked Maya and the therapist what was best for their son.
The answer was not simple. But one thing was clear: Adrian's need to be forgiven could not come before Noah's need to feel safe.
