Page 80 of Ranger's Wildflower
Quiet manipulation.
Hale sets a folder on the counter.
“Take your time. Review the offer.”
She doesn’t touch it.
“I’m not signing anything.”
“I strongly advise you reconsider.”
There it is.
The threat.
Polite.
Professional.
Clear.
“What happens if I don’t?” she asks.
Hale meets her eyes.
“Then things become… complicated.”
“How?”
“Public scrutiny. Legal delays. Challenges to the footage. Questions about your confession.”
I clench my jaw.
“You’re trying to discredit her.”
“I’m protecting my client.”
Tessa’s breathing picks up.
“I’m offering you peace,” Hale says.
Her eyes harden.
“I had peace,” she says. “You took it from me.”
That lands.
Hale pauses.
Then nods.
“Think about it.”
He turns and walks out.
The bell chimes.
Silence crashes down.
