Chapter 12 - THE PRICE OF ENTITLEMENTJessica eventually accepted a plea agreement.
She pleaded guilty to felony credit-card fraud.
The court ordered restitution.
Probation.
Community service.
And strict financial restrictions.
Her glamorous life disappeared.
But Margaret didn't celebrate.
She had never wanted Jessica imprisoned.
She had wanted accountability.
There was a difference.
Outside the courthouse, David approached.
He looked nervous.
"Mom."
Margaret turned.
"I'm sorry."
She said nothing.
"I was a coward."
Margaret nodded.
"Yes."
The honesty seemed to hurt him more than anger would have.
"But you're still my son."
David looked up.
Margaret continued.
"That doesn't mean I owe you a life."
He nodded slowly.
May you like
"I understand."
"Good."
Related Stories
Chapter 13 - THE LAST LESSONMargaret gave David one final piece of advice.
Chapter 14 - TWO YEARS LATERTime passed.
Chapter 15 - A SECOND CHANCESix months later, Margaret attended a charity gala in Boca Raton.
Chapter 16 - THE GOLDEN YEARSArthur took her sailing.
Chapter 17 - THE CALLOne evening, Margaret's phone rang.
Chapter 18 - THE WOMAN WHO WONOn the deck of Arthur's yacht, Margaret watched the sunset.
