Clarissa’s smugness began to falter, her eyes darting nervously between Evelyn and me. My in-laws stood transfixed, unable to look away from the unfolding drama.

“Evelyn,” I continued, addressing my wife directly now. “I respected your wishes to keep this buried because you believed it would protect the kids, but Clarissa’s words today show me that the truth is the only shield I can offer them.”

I handed the documents to Evelyn, who took them with trembling hands. Her eyes brimmed with tears as she skimmed the papers, the weight of the truth crashing down around her.