Chapter 6 - The Deposition
The conference room in Richard’s downtown office was freezing. I sat at the head of the glass table, dressed in a sharp black suit, looking every bit the untouchable executive.
Liam sat across from me, looking like a dead man walking. He had dark circles under his eyes, and his hands trembled as he poured a glass of water. Beside him sat a court-appointed attorney, since he couldn't afford a real one.
The door opened, and Monica—Valerie—walked in. She looked terrified, avoiding Liam’s gaze completely as she took a seat at the far end of the table.
“Let’s get this over with,” Liam snapped, glaring at me. “Sarah, you are destroying my life over a misunderstanding. Monica was just trying to discipline Chloe.”
Richard cleared his throat and pressed record on the camera. “State your name for the record.”
“Valerie Cross,” Monica whispered.
Liam’s head snapped toward her. “What? Your name is Monica Vance!”
“No, Mr. Sterling, it is not,” Richard interjected smoothly. He slid the criminal dossier across the table. “Your fiancée is a career grifter. And according to her sworn affidavit, which she signed this morning, she admits to physically abusing Chloe. She also testifies that you were present, aware, and complicit in the abuse, prioritizing your work calls over your daughter’s safety.”
Liam looked like he had been struck by lightning. “Monica… tell them they’re lying! We love each other!”
Valerie looked at him with sheer disgust. “You’re broke, Liam. You’re useless to me. I’m taking the plea deal.”
Liam lunged across the table toward her, completely losing his mind. “You lying witch! You ruined me!”
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My security detail slammed him back into his chair before he could reach her. I just watched him, completely unbothered.
“You ruined yourself, Liam,” I said coldly. “You forgot that a father’s only job is to protect his child. Now, you have nothing.”
