The station attorney slid a second document toward me.
I glanced over at Mallory, who didn’t look at all surprised, and in fact, might have had something of a smug smile dancing around her mouth.
And then I glanced down at the number. Nine, followed by…
One two three four… five zeros?
Wow.
I knew there had been contract violations, but I had not expected this. Mallory had hinted there might be some sort of offer, but I’d just hoped to get away without owing anything.
And although it could never erase everything, it was solid proof that the fault for everything that happened couldn’t all be laid on me.
“We should be clear,” the attorney said. “Acceptance of this settlement would release the station from all liability from harm to reputation or otherwise. However”—she flicked a glance toward Leo—“it only pertains to the posts Mr. Dunlap made under the station’s umbrella. You are free to pursue independent legal action against him should you choose.”
Mallory and I exchanged a glance.
We both knew exactly what this meant.
I wasn’t just surviving this. I was winning.
And as for Leo? No. I didn’t need anything from him. Not a confrontation. Not an apology. Not anymore.
My value didn’t hinge on anyone else.
Because ultimately, what I gained was something I hadn’t even realized I’d been missing.
My freedom.
I was finally standing on my own two feet again.
As I shifted in my chair, I glanced down and wiggled my toes. The worn leather straps of my sandals hugged my feet, repaired, sturdy, back to me thanks to someone who’d seen my worth before I was ready to see it myself.
Even though things hadn’t worked out the way I once hoped, that didn’t mean I’d been foolish.
I’d lived.
I’d risked.
And now?
I was ready to build something real—this time, for me.
(NOT) A WALKING DISASTER
The phone started ringing just as I merged onto the highway. And for a split second, my heart leapt into my throat.
More than anything, I wanted to tell Noah about… all of it.
Somewhere along the way, that urge had become automatic. A ridiculous flutter every time my screen lit up, like maybe, just maybe, it would be him.
Ashley’s name flashed across the display.
I couldn’t avoid talking to her forever.
In fact, I didn’t want to avoid my sister anymore. Exhaling, I forced the tightness in my chest to settle and tapped the hands-free button on the steering wheel.
“Hey, Ash…”
