CHAPTER 127

The weight of Leon's words lingered like a dark cloud over me, the knowledge that Wilma—my former mother-in-law—had orchestrated every vile act that had torn my life apart. The false accusations, the humiliation, the destruction of everything I had once held dear... it all traced back to her. My mind raced, desperate to find a way to use this information to turn the tide in court. But without Leon’s testimony, what could I possibly do?

I was so consumed by these thoughts that I didn’t even notice Aunt Lou watching me from across the table. The savory aroma of the food in front of me, usually a comfort, barely registered. Aunt Lou had gone through the trouble of preparing one of my favorite dishes, but there I was, just staring at it blankly.

"Margarette," Aunt Lou's voice cut through the fog in my mind, startling me back to reality. I blinked, looking up to meet her concerned gaze. "What’s going on with you? You haven't touched your food."

I glanced down at my untouched plate, realizi