Chapter 12: The Settlement
With the custody ruling in place and mounting evidence against him, David’s legal team advised him to settle Elena’s divorce case as quickly as possible.
They were terrified of criminal charges.
David’s lawyer contacted Elena’s attorney with a new offer — one that was far more generous than anything they had proposed before.
Elena sat in her lawyer’s office, reviewing the new terms.
David was offering her the house, 80% of their joint savings and investments, full ownership of the car she drove, and primary custody of their unborn child. In exchange, he wanted Elena to agree not to pursue any criminal complaints against him regarding Lily.
Elena read through the documents slowly.
Her attorney looked at her.
“It’s a strong offer,” he said. “Much better than what he originally wanted to give you. You could walk away with financial security and full custody of your baby.”
Elena was quiet for a long moment.
Then she spoke.
“I want one more thing added.”
Her attorney raised an eyebrow.
“What’s that?”
Elena looked up from the papers.
“I want it in writing that I will be given first consideration as Lily’s permanent guardian if CPS determines she cannot return to David’s care. And I want David to have no say in that decision.”
Her attorney studied her for a moment, then nodded.
“I’ll add it. But are you sure? Taking in another child while you’re about to give birth is a huge responsibility.”
Elena placed a hand on her belly and thought about the little girl with the stuffed rabbit.
“I’m sure,” she said quietly. “She has no one else. And I know what it feels like to be abandoned by the people who are supposed to protect you.”
Two days later, the revised settlement was signed.
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David Caldwell lost almost everything he had tried so hard to keep.
And Elena Caldwell walked out of the courthouse with her head held high, finally free from the man who had tried to destroy her.
