Chapter 9 - The Small Claims VerdictTwo months later, Audrey filed a formal claim in Municipal Court to recover the six hundred dollars she had personally spent out-of-pocket on roofing materials, nail coils, and compressor fuel for her parents' house.
When they appeared before the judge, Martin attempted to argue that the materials were a "gift from a daughter."
The judge looked at the printed screenshots of the family group chat and Martin's own video recordings.
"Mr. Bennett," the judge stated, his voice heavy with legal disdain. "You filmed your daughter performing high-risk skilled labor, published derogatory comments about her online, and used her free labor to fund a luxury vacation. This was not a family gift; it was bad-faith exploitation."
The judge ordered Martin and Elaine to pay Audrey the full six hundred dollars plus court costs, adding a stern verbal reprimand that was recorded in public court records.
As Martin handed over the certified check, he looked at Audrey with tear-filled, defeated eyes.
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"Audrey... please. We're your parents. Can't we fix this?"
"I've spent thirty-eight years fixing your problems, Dad," Audrey said softly, taking the check. "I'm finally capable of fixing my own life without you in it."
