Chapter 9 - A Letter No One Could BurnNina Foster did not waste words.
The attorney had a practical manner, a crowded desk, and a habit of asking the same question twice if she suspected someone was trying to avoid an uncomfortable answer.
Sofia liked her immediately.
"Tell me exactly what happened," Nina said.
Sofia described the dining room, Luca's approach, the glass, the rescue, the accusation, and Daniel's slap.
Nina listened.
"Did Daniel make physical contact?"
"Yes."
"Did you consent to it?"
"No."
"Did you threaten him?"
"No."
"Was Luca in your arms when he struck you?"
"No. I had already placed Luca on clear floor."
Nina wrote that down.
"Good. I want to make sure the sequence is precise."
Sofia nodded.
"The child was safe before the slap."
"Do you have medical documentation?"
"Yes."
"Any photographs?"
Sofia handed them over.
Nina examined them carefully.
"We can discuss a civil claim for assault and battery, and possible employment-related claims depending on who employed you and how the termination was handled."
Sofia looked anxious.
"Will I have to testify?"
"Possibly."
"Against Daniel?"
"If you pursue the matter, yes. There may be opportunities to resolve the civil claims without a trial, but you shouldn't assume that."
Sofia looked toward the window.
Nina leaned forward.
"You are allowed to want accountability even if the person who hurt you regrets it."
Sofia swallowed.
"I don't want his son dragged through this."
"Neither do I. We'll seek adult witnesses and documentary evidence where possible. We won't make a four-year-old carry a case that adults should be able to address."
Something in Sofia relaxed.
"Thank you."
Nina continued.
"I also recommend documenting the threatening language in the termination meeting. We should preserve relevant employment records and communications."
She paused.
"Have you signed anything?"
"No."
"Don't sign an agreement from Helena without letting me review it."
That afternoon, Nina sent a formal preservation letter to Vale Residential and the family household's employing entity.
It requested that relevant employment records, communications, and security-system data be preserved.
The letter also identified Sofia's claims arising from the assault and termination.
It did not accuse Helena of financial crimes.
Margaret and the company's independent counsel were handling the trust concerns separately.
That distinction mattered.
Sofia was not going to trade her rights for access to financial information.
Nor would she threaten allegations merely to obtain a settlement.
The truth needed to stand on its own.
At Briar House, Daniel read Nina's letter twice.
Then he called his personal attorney, Richard Ames.
"I need representation concerning something I did," Daniel said.
Richard asked him to explain.
Daniel did.
There was a long silence.
"Daniel," Richard finally said, "you need to take this seriously."
"I am."
"I mean legally and personally. You cannot assume an apology resolves a physical assault."
Daniel looked at the framed photograph of Luca on his desk.
"I know."
"You also need to avoid contacting Sofia in a way that could be perceived as pressure."
"I already apologized."
"Then let the attorneys communicate about the claim. You can acknowledge what happened without using your position or money to influence her response."
Daniel exhaled.
"There's another matter."
He explained the altered authorization and suspicious trust payments.
Richard listened more carefully.
"Separate counsel will be necessary for the company and the trust issues. You may have conflicts."
"Can Helena destroy records before we act?"
"She has legal obligations to preserve relevant material, particularly after notice of a dispute. We should send a formal demand for records and preservation immediately."
Daniel glanced toward the hallway.
"She controls the records room."
"That doesn't mean she owns the records."
Richard paused.
"Daniel, do not go into this assuming you can personally decide what is legal. Get the documents reviewed."
That evening, Helena entered Daniel's study without knocking.
"I hear Sofia has hired a lawyer."
Daniel looked up.
"Yes."
"She's attempting to extort this family."
"She hasn't asked me for anything."
"Then why send a legal letter?"
"Because I hit her."
Helena stared.
Daniel continued.
"That's what happened. There is no reason to pretend otherwise."
His sister gave him an incredulous look.
"You sound as though you're taking her side."
"I'm acknowledging my conduct."
"And what about your son?"
"He was safe when I struck her."
Helena's jaw tightened.
"She had no permission to touch him."
Daniel stood.
"Luca was approaching broken glass."
"You weren't there when it happened."
"Neither were you when Sofia first saw him move toward it."
Helena's eyes narrowed.
Daniel noticed the change.
"I've been thinking about that."
"About what?"
"How quickly you knew what Sofia had done."
"I was in the room."
"Then tell me exactly what happened before I arrived."
Helena looked toward the fireplace.
"The vase fell."
"How?"
"It was an accident."
"What caused it?"
"I don't know."
Daniel studied her.
"Where were you standing?"
"Near the table."
"Did you touch it?"
Her expression froze.
"Are you accusing me of pushing a vase toward my nephew?"
Daniel remained silent.
Helena's voice rose.
"After everything I have done for you?"
He felt the familiar tug of obligation.
She had managed their father's funeral.
She had handled difficult creditors.
She had supported him during his separation from Claire.
For years, that history had ended every argument.
Not tonight.
"I'm asking a question," he said.
Helena stepped closer.
"Then ask yourself why you suddenly trust a maid and a woman who left you more than your own sister."
Daniel looked at her.
"Claire didn't leave Luca."
Helena blinked.
"And Sofia didn't hurt him."
His voice was quiet.
"Those are two things I should have understood before yesterday."
Helena turned away.
As she reached the doorway, Daniel added, "I've requested an independent accounting."
She stopped.
"Of what?"
"The Resident Stability Trust."
Her back remained toward him.
May you like
For several seconds, she did not move.
Then she said, "If you insist on opening Father's books, don't expect to like what you find."
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