Chapter 13 - The Cost of Justice
Claire’s choice was which consequence she could live with. Justice would punish people Wyatt had already used. She could file a civil claim for the money he diverted and ask Harper to prove the scheme. It might protect the condo, but garnishment could end Renee’s treatment and Harper’s semester. Or Claire could enter a separation agreement, absorb part of the debt, and require Wyatt to repay her over years while Renee moved to county care. Wyatt asked her not to “destroy everyone over one plan.” Claire answered, “You built the plan out of everyone.” Harper offered to testify, then feared losing her mother. Claire did not comfort her. Instead, she offered one condition: Harper had to tell Renee the truth herself, without blaming Claire. Claire chose mediation over a lawsuit, but not forgiveness. She surrendered the clean victory and some savings. Wyatt surrendered any claim to immediate condo equity, moved out, and accepted that protecting Renee no longer gave him authority over Claire.
