Chapter 24 - ROLAND’S CHOICEBefore sentencing, Callahan board/PR urges private civil settlement to minimize.
But criminal public anyway.
Some relatives suggest protect name.
Roland refuses cover.
Yet he protects Emmett privacy.
He issues governance report acknowledging failures:
delegated signature controls,
household reporting,
trust oversight.
He does not confess crimes not his.
He steps back from CEO for six months? Maybe company not implicated deeply. Could remain but appoint independent review. Maybe he voluntarily relinquishes family-office chair, appoints independent board.
He cuts his workload permanently.
He and Talia dating cautiously.
She refuses moving into Ashbourne.
Keeps apartment.
Own career.
Emmett knows:
“Dad likes Talia.”
He says:
“I know.”
Talia tells Emmett:
“I’m not your mom.”
Emmett:
“I know.”
“Good.”
No forced.
Roland asks Talia after year whether she wants meet more outside child contexts.
Yes.
They eventually spend night together after mutual decision, adult, tasteful.
Talia morning says:
“This doesn’t make me live here.”
Roland:
“I know.”
Good.
Lenora sentenced.
Emmett chooses not visit in custody initially.
Later maybe one letter.
Roland doesn't block.
He says:
“You choose with therapist.”
At sentencing, judge emphasizes no physical injury does not erase terror.
Adrian gets heavier.
May you like
Financial recovery full, trust intact.
Good.
