"Now you know fear? What were you doing earlier? My child is still lying in the hospital, life and death uncertain! We are more scared than you!"
"Someone like you should rot in a cell!"
The parents grew more agitated by the second, the scene threatening to spiral out of control.
The company lawyer rushed forward to mediate.
"Parents, please, let's discuss this rationally. Getting angry won't help. We need to come to a decision that benefits the children." His voice dropped, turning conciliatory. "The damage is done, but the follow-up treatment and nutritional costs will be significant. That is not a small amount of money."
"Mr. Henson pledges that if you agree not to pursue criminal charges, he will cover all follow-up medical expenses. Furthermore, he is willing to compensate each student one million dollars."
The atmosphere shifted. The parents hesitated. Seeing his opening, the lawyer struck while the iron was hot, smoothing over their anger with silver-tongued promises.
A settlement agreement was signed right there in the station.
As they walked out of the precinct, the crisis resolved, Caroline's fear evaporated. Arrogance slid back into place like a second skin.
She shot me a provocative glare. "Katherine Fox, don't think Dominic loves you just because you married him. In this life, you will never compare to me!"
"He's all yours."
I didn't bother looking at her baffled expression. I simply turned and walked away.
Whatever Dominic told his parents, it worked. The very next day, a lawyer arrived bearing the divorce agreement and the share transfer contract.
After confirming the compensation figures were correct, I signed my name with a flourish.
A month later, Dominic and I went to the Civil Affairs Bureau to finalize the divorce.
Caroline came along, of course. She cradled her lower belly, grinning like a Cheshire cat.
"Sister-in-law... oh, excuse me, *Miss* Fox." Mock sweetness dripped from her correction. "Dominic and I are getting married. You simply must come. He said it's going to be the most luxurious wedding of the decade, for me and the baby. He hopes you'll be there to witness it."
I took the invitation with a smile. "I wouldn't miss it for the world. I have a big gift to deliver, after all."
Three days later, I arrived at the wedding venue flanked by several burly bodyguards. As soon as we entered, I signaled them to disperse into the crowd.