Chapter 11 - THE FAMILY SUMMONS AT THE RESTAURANT
Four weeks before the scheduled criminal arraignment, my parents’ defense attorney reached out with a formal request for a mediated sit-down at a neutral upscale restaurant in Santa Monica, claiming my parents were desperate to reconcile and offer full financial restitution. Against my lawyer's initial warnings, I agreed to attend—not to grant forgiveness, but to deliver my final terms with my own voice.
Walking into the private dining room, I found Mom, Dad, and Jessica sitting around a linen-draped table looking chastised and defeated. Mom immediately stood up with tears in her eyes, opening her arms for an embrace. “Aurora, please, let’s drop these ridiculous criminal charges,” she sobbed. “We’re your family. We made a mistake!” I didn't move an inch, remaining standing by the door with my arms crossed, watching them squirm beneath the harsh restaurant lights.
