Chapter 13 - Lauren’s Counterattack
Lauren returned from Florida two days later.
She did not apologize.
She hired a public relations consultant.
Within hours, a statement appeared online.
A private family dispute has been maliciously distorted by an elderly relative experiencing emotional instability.
The post claimed Daisy had chosen to remain home for a school obligation.
It said a trusted neighbor was present.
It described Grant’s arrival as a “confusing confrontation.”
Then Lauren posted a photograph of herself crying beside Toby.
The caption read:
Protecting my children from public cruelty.
Grant saved every word.
Ethan called her.
“Take it down.”
“I am protecting us.”
“You are lying.”
“I am protecting Toby.”
“You are using him.”
Lauren’s voice hardened.
“You have no idea what will happen when people learn we are under investigation.”
“There is no investigation yet.”
“There will be because your father will make one.”
Ethan closed his eyes.
Grant had not threatened anything publicly.
He had only preserved evidence.
Lauren understood the danger because she knew what the evidence showed.
Meanwhile, Daisy saw the post on a hotel television when a morning program briefly mentioned Lauren’s account.
She stared at the screen.
“They said I wanted to stay.”
Grant switched it off.
“You did not.”
“Will people believe her?”
“Some may.”
Daisy’s eyes filled.
“What if everyone thinks I lied?”
Grant sat beside her.
“Truth does not become false because someone speaks louder.”
She looked at the recorder on the table.
“My call tells the truth?”
“Yes.”
“Can I hear it?”
Grant hesitated.
The recording contained fear no child should have to relive.
But Daisy deserved control.
“Only if you choose.”
She reached for the recorder.
Then stopped.
“Not yet.”
Grant nodded.
“That is your decision.”
Later that afternoon, an email arrived from Lauren’s former assistant.
I have copies of the original campaign planning documents. Daisy was intentionally excluded. Lauren told me the adopted child damaged the brand image.
Attached were photographs, messages, budgets, and voice notes.
One recording began with Lauren laughing.
May you like
“People want perfect families. Daisy makes people ask questions.”
👉 Lauren had tried to rewrite the story publicly—but someone from inside her own business had saved the truth.
