Chapter 8: The Downfall
By the end of the day, David Caldwell’s carefully constructed life had completely fallen apart.
News of what happened in the courtroom spread quickly. Several media outlets had already begun reporting on the shocking testimony from a six-year-old girl during a high-profile divorce case.
David’s business partners started calling. Some wanted to distance themselves. Others demanded explanations.
His reputation as a successful and respectable man was in ruins.
Back at his apartment, David paced back and forth while Jessica sat on the couch crying.
“This is all your fault,” Jessica sobbed. “You should have told me about that brat from the beginning! I wouldn’t have treated her like that if I knew people would find out!”
David stopped pacing and glared at her.
“You hit her, Jessica! You locked her in rooms! Don’t you dare blame this all on me!”
Jessica stood up, her face red with anger.
“You knew! You knew what I was doing and you did nothing! You’re just as guilty as I am!”
David ran a hand through his hair, breathing hard.
“We have to fix this. We have to make them take back what they said. Maybe if we offer Elena more money in the divorce—”
Jessica laughed bitterly.
“Are you kidding me? After what happened today, Elena isn’t going to settle for anything less than everything you have. And after that kid’s testimony, you might be facing criminal charges.”
David’s face went pale.
“Criminal charges?”
Jessica nodded.
“Child abuse, David. That’s what they’re investigating. And if they find enough evidence, you could go to jail.”
David sank down onto the couch, looking completely defeated.
For the first time, he realized just how badly he had messed up.
Not just with Elena.
May you like
But with his own daughter.
And now, he might lose everything — including his freedom.
