Detective Bennett then asked whether I wished to pursue formal charges against both parties for attempted property theft and financial fraud.
“Yes,” I replied immediately, because my resolve had crystallized long before this hospital room confrontation.
Moments later, Savannah’s confident voice echoed from the corridor until it fractured into visible panic as officers escorted her toward my doorway in handcuffs, her designer coat now wrinkled beneath the weight of consequence.
She stared at me in disbelief and said, “Addison, this cannot be happening.”
“It happens when you attempt to steal what you never earned,” I answered evenly, refusing to raise my voice despite the tremor in hers.
Detective Bennett formally arrested Savannah Pierce on charges of forgery, fraud, and attempted unlawful property transfer before turning to Patrick with measured finality.
“Patrick Donovan, you are under arrest for conspiracy to commit financial fraud,” she announced as one of the officers stepped forward with handcuffs.
Patrick’s composure disintegrated as he looked at me desperately and said, “We can fix this if you reconsider, because the children deserve stability.”