Chapter 7: The Deal

Even the lights at the police station couldn’t chase away the misery in that moment. A faded poster about opioid abuse hung crooked above the water cooler. The air was thick with the scent of burnt coffee and cheap disinfectant. I sat on a hard plastic chair, hugging my knees to my chest, numb.

My parents rushed in and went to comfort Lily. “It’s okay, she kicked you down the stairs, you broke her old bracelet, now you’re even.”

Mom wrapped Lily in a hug, cooing in her ear. Dad hovered, eyes darting to me only when he thought I wasn’t looking.

Even though I was prepared.

I thought I was braced for it, armored up. But watching them crowd around Lily still felt like being stabbed in the gut.

Why does it still hurt so much inside?

I blinked hard, willing the tears not to fall. Pain is easier to hide than hope.

My dad tried to negotiate. “We’re all family, kids just fight, it’s just a misunderstanding.”

His voice was oily, smooth—he could have been closing a business deal instead of fixing his broken family.

They sat together as a family.

I was the ghost at the table, invisible, not even offered a seat.

I was all alone, as if abandoned by the whole world.

The noise of the station faded. I was an island, adrift, untethered.

Oh, and the guilty Evan McAllister stood behind me, not daring to come near.

He leaned against the wall, hands shoved deep in his pockets, eyes glued to the linoleum. He didn’t say a word.

The officer handling the case looked at me sympathetically. “Do you want to withdraw the case?”

Her badge caught the overhead lights. She spoke gently, like she’d seen this kind of family mess before.

I shook my head.

It was all I could manage. My jaw was set, my mind made up.

Everyone’s faces changed.

The room dropped ten degrees. Mom gasped. Dad’s mouth thinned to a hard line. Lily’s eyes grew wide, tears pooling.

I didn’t want to argue anymore. I was so tired.

Every muscle in my body ached. I slumped in the chair, barely able to lift my head.

If I can’t have love, then I want money—enough to make them regret it.

I would never be the chosen one, but I could make them pay. Let them buy their happy ending.

“Breaking and entering, theft of property—I hate her so much, of course I want to see her go to jail.”

The words tumbled out, icy and final. I meant every syllable.

My dad’s veins bulged. “What on earth do you want?”

He was losing control now, voice rising, fist clenched on the tabletop.

I curled my lips. “Mr. Harper, if you want to settle, I have a condition.”

I used his last name, drawing a line in the sand. We weren’t family anymore. Just adversaries.

“What condition?” He frowned.

His eyes narrowed, calculating. I had his full attention for the first time in years.

In the mediation room, I spoke: “The share transfer agreement hasn’t been signed yet. I want 20%. Then this matter ends here.”

My tone was steady, businesslike. This was just another negotiation. My heart was pounding, but my face stayed calm.

“You’re crazy! The whole Harper family only has 56%.”

His voice cracked, a mixture of rage and disbelief. For once, he wasn’t in control.

David Harper’s face darkened. “Change it, the house, bags, whatever, I can give you.”

He tossed out offers like life rafts, hoping I’d grab one and let go.

“Forget it then, no deal.”

I stood, gathering my things. My coat felt heavy, but I didn’t falter.

I got up. He grabbed me.

His grip was tight, desperate. I stared him down, refusing to flinch.

“Don’t be ungrateful, I have ways to get Lily out.”

His voice dropped to a hiss. I almost laughed.

“Of course, you have your ways, I have mine. On their wedding day, I’ll drop the video on Facebook and tag every PTA mom in Maple Heights. Let everyone see what those two did in my house. People love a rich family scandal.”

Social media would eat it up—hashtags, comment threads, the works. I could already picture the headlines.

“Maya Harper, are you threatening me? I can also post your video of ‘framing’ your sister.”

He was desperate, clawing for leverage. But I was past caring.

I laughed. “Anyway, my reputation’s already been trashed by her, I don’t care. But if everyone knows this little angel stole her sister’s fiancé, do you think they can still get married? Can you stand to see her criticized?”

I let the threat hang. The town’s gossip mill would never let them forget.

He hesitated.

He didn’t like losing. I saw the gears turning, weighing cost against benefit.

“You want them to get married so badly, you must have weighed the pros and cons. So let’s see if these 20% shares are enough for you to protect Lily.”

I’d learned from the best. If he wanted Lily happy, he’d have to pay up.

My dad is a refined egoist.

He’d sacrifice anything—pride, family, even me—for a better bottom line.

When it comes to interests, family and love mean nothing.

It was always about business, never about me. I accepted that, finally.

Last time in the hospital he so easily offered me 10% shares—I figured there must be some major business deal behind Lily Harper marrying Evan McAllister.

Arranged marriages are rare these days, but when company mergers are involved, anything goes.

That’s why he could swallow his pride and swap brides halfway through.

He’d sell me out for a handshake and a contract. I was just collateral.

So, I’m betting on how much he’s willing to give up for this benefit.

I stared him down, daring him to call my bluff.

After a moment, he gave in. “Fine. I promise you.”

He slumped, defeated, signing away a chunk of his empire.

I sat back down. “Have your lawyer draft the contract now. I’ll drop the case after it’s signed.”

No more delays. I wanted this done and over.

“You’re in such a hurry?”

His voice was weak, uncertain. He’d never seen me like this before.

“Yes.”

I kept my voice flat. I wouldn’t let him see how much it hurt.

“Otherwise, let’s drag it out. The longer it drags, it’s not my loss.”

If I had to, I’d go to war. I had nothing left to lose.

He was furious. “How did I end up with such a rebellious daughter!”

His voice echoed through the station, drawing stares. I didn’t care.

I didn’t back down. “Then you should be glad. At least this rebellious daughter is still willing to make a deal with you.”

It was my last olive branch, held out with shaking hands.

He closed his eyes and turned to make a call.

For the first time, he looked old—tired, beaten. I didn’t feel triumphant. Just empty.