Chapter 13 - MADISON’S VERSION
Madison appeared on a local television program.
She wore beige silk and diamond earrings.
Ava sat beside her in the pink designer dress from the accident.
The bruise was gone.
Madison described a mother’s fear.
She said Ethan had targeted Ava because he resented her family.
She said Michael used his badge to silence them.
She did not mention the sprinkler frames.
She did not mention Rebecca’s recorded call.
She did not mention Victor’s false statement.
The interviewer asked Ava whether Ethan apologized.
Ava looked toward Madison.
“He said sorry.”
Madison’s hand closed around hers.
“But did he admit doing it deliberately?”
Ava’s voice disappeared.
Madison answered.
“No.”
At the Parker home, Ethan watched five seconds before Michael turned off the television.
“She knows it bounced,” Ethan said.
“Yes.”
“Why is she still saying that?”
“Because admitting the truth now means admitting every lie that came after it.”
The television segment spread online.
Again, strangers took sides.
But this time, the Parker family released evidence.
The five recovered frames.
The paint report.
Victor’s withdrawn statement.
Rebecca also released her own confession.
She did not hide the slap.
“I struck my son before I asked what happened. I was wrong. No pressure from another parent excuses my choice.”
The statement changed the public discussion.
Some people attacked Rebecca.
Others respected her honesty.
Most importantly, Ethan saw his mother stop protecting her image.
Madison responded within an hour.
She accused Rebecca of using guilt to gain sympathy.
Then she made a mistake.
She said:
“If the ball bounced, why did Ethan tell Ava, ‘This is for you’?”
Only Victor had made that claim.
His statement had never been public.
Madison knew the exact wording because she had created it.
Captain Ward added the interview to the witness-tampering investigation.
Grant entered the mansion’s media room.
“You are talking too much.”
Madison removed her microphone.
“I am defending our daughter.”
“You are exposing us.”
Ava stood outside the door.
For the first time, she heard her father admit there was something to expose.
May you like
Grant lowered his voice.
“Find the tablet before Ava decides to become honest.”
