“Thomas, it’s Naomi Canton. I’d like to discuss pressing criminal charges.”
Robert raised an eyebrow but said nothing as I arranged a meeting for later that afternoon. When I hung up, he nodded approvingly.
“You always were tougher than Nicholas gave you credit for.”
“Nicholas knew exactly how tough I was,” I corrected. “He just never thought I’d need to use it against our own children.”
Just after 2:00 p.m., my phone rang again. Brandon. His voice was clipped and formal.
“We’ll sign the papers,” he said, “but we want something in writing saying you won’t pursue charges.”
“I already offered that yesterday,” I said. “The terms have changed.”
“What do you want?” He sounded defeated, which gave me no pleasure.
“Be at Vincent’s office at 4:00 p.m. Bring Melissa. I’ll lay out my terms then.”
When they arrived, I was already seated between Robert and Vincent—a united front of legal firepower. My children looked terrible. Brandon unshaven, his expensive shirt wrinkled. Melissa with smeared makeup and hair pulled back in a hasty ponytail. Neither could meet my eyes.
“Sit,” I said, gesturing to the chairs across from us. “This won’t take long.”
Robert slid the documents across the table.
“Mrs. Canton has agreed not to pursue criminal charges for the forged will, fraud, elder abuse, and attempted theft of business assets worth approximately twelve million dollars,” he said. “In exchange, you will both sign these papers acknowledging the will was fraudulent, renouncing all claims to Canton Family Orchards, the residential property, and all associated assets.”
Brandon skimmed the document, his face paling.
“This says we forfeit our inheritance entirely.”
“Yes,” I said simply.
“But that’s—” Melissa began.
“Exactly what you tried to do to me,” I finished for her. “With one difference. I’m offering you a legal way out, not abandonment on a roadside.”
“Mom, please.” Melissa’s voice cracked. “I know we made a terrible mistake, but—”
“Stop.” I held up my hand. “This isn’t a negotiation. Sign, or I walk across the street to the DA’s office and file charges. Thomas Winters is waiting for my call.”
