leather couch, laughing and talking with his in-laws, a glass of expensive

y decided to join us," she sneered. "James, maybe take

ed to be a man, we wouldn't have to

ze fixed on Tom. "Interest

feigning surprise. "Ja

icked to the lavish gifts spread across the table: vin

t what Tom brought! Real gifts, not

would look stunning on you, Pamela. Only the best for the best."

tably, glancing away. "

d, patting her hand. "After all, Tom is a rea

dy. "You know, Tom, you're quite generous for s

ered quickly, chuckling. "Mistakes

embarrassing yourself. Tom's

cared about Pamela, you'd step aside an

aze locked on Tom. "You know exactly what

ed. "Accusing m

ed play, and the screen displayed footage of a black Mercedes S600,

be anyone's car, James. H

"See, even Helen understands. There are hundreds of b

ped through the photos on his phone, enlarging a close-up still from the vid

yes wide. "Tom..

James to the screen. "This i

ous. "Enough of your nonsense, James. This is

now things have been tense between us, but you need to know the truth

. "James, I... I didn't think you were capable of making up lie

ve him. He's just grasping at straws. Besides, you know what people say about Jam

m. It's about justice for Emily. You left her there, in pain, and now

ence cracking. He looked away, a

el. "I never knew you were capable of somet

a, darling, don't be dramatic. Tom made a mistake

esolve. "No, Mother. James is standing up for Emily. A

each person processing the wei