An officer examined Vivienne’s phone silently before lifting his gaze. “Mrs. Laurent,” he said evenly. “Would you care to explain this correspondence referencing signature replication exercises?”
Fear replaced defiance instantly. Laurent collapsed into stunned silence.
Vivienne requested legal representation.
Laurent whispered hoarsely. “Mother, I truly did not understand.”
I studied him quietly, recognizing that ignorance, while painful, does not erase responsibility.
“Then understanding begins now,” I replied gently.
Because ownership can be documented through contracts.
Character cannot.
