When fate plays its hand

“The things you’ve done have been posted online. Now, dozens of authors are joining forces to sue you! They already have more than enough evidence. If this goes to court, I can tell you clearly that we’ll lose, without a doubt!” Winston scolded.

Edith’s eyes widened in shock. “H–How could this happen? Who posted it online? Wasn’t Mindy the only one planning to sue? Why are the others…”

you’ve wronged

“When you refused to settle, didn’t you think that once the news spread, other authors you would catch wind of it and band together to demand compensation?”

Dozens of people… All demanding compensation at once… Even Edith, no matter how clueless, knew this wasn’t going to be a small amount.

“Mr. Nairn, go tell Mindy that I agree to settle. Whatever compensation she wants, we can negotiate!” “It’s too late. I contacted Mindy’s daughter before I came, and she refused to settle.”

“W–Why… she was still considering it the last time!”

Winston sighed. “Opportunities only come once. Miss it, and it’s gone. The world doesn’t work the way you want; people don’t just follow your wishes.”

Cold sweat drenched Edith as her legs went weak. The public exposure meant her reputation was ruined; even if this were somehow resolved, she wouldn’t be able to continue in this industry. Plus, the huge compensation amount would be enough to bankrupt her.

“Mr. Nairn, please help me… I know I was wrong… I’m begging you, just find a way…”

Winston looked at her with pity. “I’m sorry. I’ve done all can.”

“Name any price; please, you have to help me win this case!”

Winston slowly shook his head. She still wanted to win? That was impossible. The evidence the opposition held was enough to put Edith behind bars

“All I can do is try to negotiate for compensation instead of prison time.”

*P–Prison?” Edith’s eyes widened. Was it really that serious?

She regretted everything. She should never have crossed Mindy. If only she’d agreed to part on good terms, she wouldn’t have ended up in this situation.

Edith immediately broke down, sobbing.

After two days in the hospital, Mindy was finally discharged once everything checked out.

Miranda went to pick her up with a bouquet of purple roses. “Mom, here’s your favorite purple roses. Congrats on getting discharged!”

“Thank you, sweetheart! They’re beautiful!” Mindy accepted the flowers with a smile.

Meanwhile, Lionel not only prepared a wonderful meal at home but also burned some sage for good luck.

“Come on now, let’s twirl around it. Let’s send away the bad energy and welcome all the good things. Everything will be smooth sailing, and you’ll have lots of success!”

Mindy teased, “Lots of success? I’m not a celebrity, you know…”

“Alright then, just happiness and good fortune!”

After dinner, while Lionel cleaned up the kitchen, Mindy and Miranda relaxed in the living room, watching TV. When the conversation turned to Edith’s current predicament, Mindy shook her head without a trace

of sympathy.

Fortunately, she had managed to grab her computer in time and saved her manuscript. Even so, Edith’s actions had crossed a line she couldn’t ignore. From NôvelDrama.Org.

“Mom, don’t worry about it anymore. Let Warren and I handle it.”

“Warren? He’s involved too?”

Miranda nodded. It was Warren who’d obtained the recording. From the moment Mindy signed with him, he had been preparing for everything.

Had Edith let things go, Mindy wouldn’t have pursued her, and perhaps Warren would have let the matter drop. But Edith had chosen to push her luck, leaving Warren with no choice.

In their industry, Warren was known for fiercely defending his authors.

In fact, it was Warren who had contacted each of those authors now joining the lawsuit. Not only that, but he even covered the costs of hiring lawyers, fully prepared for a prolonged legal battle.