Lizetta's chest heaved as she fought the urge to explode; this woman's sheer audacity was enough to make her see red.
She knew it. Eartha was going to keep moving the goalposts, inch by inch.
Last time, she had merely demanded a lighter sentence. Now, she wanted a free pass out of the country.
"That's impossible," Remington stated coldly. "You committed multiple felonies, and the evidence is airtight. You are never walking away entirely scot-free. We can't do what you're asking. The absolute best we can offer is hiring top-tier defense attorneys to ensure you receive a reduced sentence."
Eartha sneered openly. "Impossible? Please. Do you think I'm an idiot? With the combined power of your two families, pulling a mere suspect out of custody is child's play. You could probably get a death row inmate acquitted if you really wanted to. It just takes a little effort. It seems to me you didn't think this through before coming here... or perhaps you just don't care about that brat as much as you claim. If that's the case, we have nothing left to discuss."
Eartha stood up abruptly, making a theatrical show of turning to leave.
In a panic, Lizetta shot out of her chair, her voice trembling.
"No, wait! We will do whatever it takes to get him back. Just don't hurt him! Sit down, we can talk this through!"
Eartha paused and turned around, thoroughly enjoying the sight of Remington holding a distressed Lizetta, who looked like she was on the verge of a total breakdown.
Lizetta buried her face in Remington's shoulder, sobbing uncontrollably.
Remington stroked her shaking back, fixing Eartha with a look of suppressed rage and agonizing compromise.
His voice was grim. "We came here in good faith. Take a look at this first."
He opened the folder he had brought, pulled out the document, and slid it across the metal table.
Eartha cast a dismissive glance at the papers, but her eyes instantly locked onto the text, widening in disbelief.

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