Hannah entered Lorie’s house with Jimmy. She felt fearless with him at her side, wondering if Oscar had assigned Jimmy as an assistant, anticipating she'd need help.
As she walked into the manor's hall, Hannah heard Esther's heartbroken sobs. She'd never seen Esther so distraught, not even when Miguel was imprisoned. Esther fell silent upon seeing Hannah, her eyes welling with tears, appearing utterly pathetic.
Hannah ignored her, turning directly to her parents. Miguel gestured, "Hannah, come sit."
She sat beside her father, Jimmy standing behind her. "So, what brings you here today? Stop crying; it won't solve anything," Miguel said, exhibiting the calm authority of the family head.
Esther, sobbing, supported herself with her hands as she sat on the sofa beside Lorie. "I just visited Wayne," she explained. "His mistakes badly affected the company, but I never expected him to be so foolish. After his father's imprisonment, I told him to be obedient, to listen to you. A thousand times! How could I know he'd be seduced by that bitch, Sandra?"
Disappointment, anger, and discomfort warred on her face as tears streamed uncontrollably. This wasn't an act easily learned.
"If not for that bitch, Sandra, Wayne wouldn't have been tricked into stealing the business plan! How could he be so stupid?" she cried. "He knew he was wrong when I saw him. He promised to correct his mistakes, to obey you, to consider you his father now that Roger's in jail. Miguel, please forgive him this time. If he does it again, I'll kill him myself, let alone you!"
To emphasize her plea, she knelt on the floor. Hannah was speechless. Esther, though malicious, was still a mother, willing to do anything for her son. Hannah guessed this display would win her parents' mercy.
Hannah, however, remained unmoved, hardened by the horrors of her past life. She considered this Wayne's best decision; if he were truly clever, he wouldn't have fallen so tragically. She remained silent, deciding to respect her parents' choice. Even a year or more in prison wouldn't significantly affect her, though it meant she wouldn't get what she wanted.
"Miguel, Michelle, I've been cruel, I've gossiped. I wasn't a good person. I was jealous of your love, unlike mine and Roger's. As you know, he kept a mistress and an illegitimate daughter, Mary. I endured it, consumed by jealousy, and I'm sorry. Michelle, forgive me," she pleaded, kneeling before Michelle and begging for forgiveness.
Michelle softened, but turned to Hannah, habitually deferring to her daughter.
"Mum, it's your decision," Hannah said, wanting to prevent further guilt. If her parents remained unyielding, they'd be no different from Esther and Roger.
With her daughter's permission, Michelle stated, "I'll let it be. It's not a big deal. Get up."
"No," Esther insisted, "My actions have forfeited my right."
"It's in the past. Get up," Michelle said, trying to help her rise.
But Esther remained kneeling. "Let me stay like this a while; it'll help," she said.
Michelle ceased trying to persuade her.
Esther turned again to Miguel. "Miguel, please forgive Wayne. He was unforgivable, but he's realized his mistakes and will change."
Miguel was softening, but Wayne's actions were egregious. He hesitated to forgive.
Esther then appealed to his compassion. "My daughter's gone, my husband's in jail. If my son goes to jail too, I'll have nothing. This is my burden, not yours. But..." she sobbed, her cries intensifying. She pulled Lorie closer, who remained silent throughout.
Hannah was struck by Esther's solo performance; Lorie hadn't uttered a word.
Esther understood Lorie's words would carry more weight. Lorie looked at her, then at Hannah and her parents. Miguel, lacking the heart to refuse his mother, waited for Lorie’s decision. Her word would determine his actions. He couldn't guarantee Wayne's acquittal, but he could reduce the sentence to a year, possibly securing probation to avoid prison time, leaving only a criminal record.
Miguel looked at Lorie. Their prior conflict had kept them apart, and the sudden confrontation seemed awkward for both.