Chapter 3

James paused in the doorway, taking in the sight before him. Tom sat on the leather couch, laughing and talking with his in-laws, a glass of expensive wine in hand and a smug grin plastered on his face. James’s jaw tightened.

Helen glanced up, her eyes narrowing. “Look who finally decided to join us,” she sneered. “James, maybe take some notes from Tom here on how to be a real provider.”

George chuckled. “Maybe if you learned to be a man, we wouldn’t have to entertain better options for Pamela.”

James ignored them, his gaze fixed on Tom. “Interesting choice of company, Tom.”

Tom raised his glass, feigning surprise. “James! Always a pleasure.”

“Is it?” James replied, his tone ice-cold. His eyes flicked to the lavish gifts spread across the table: vintage wine, a designer handbag, and a diamond necklace.

Helen clapped her hands. “Oh, look at what Tom brought! Real gifts, not the cheap things you get for Pamela.”

Tom leaned toward Pamela, placing the necklace in her lap. “This would look stunning on you, Pamela. Only the best for the best.” He winked, his hand lingering just a bit too long on her shoulder.

Pamela shifted uncomfortably, glancing away. “Tom, I… I don’t think—”

“Oh, don’t be shy, darling,” Helen interrupted, patting her hand. “After all, Tom is a real catch. Wouldn’t hurt to give him a chance.”

James gritted his teeth, but his voice was steady. “You know, Tom, you’re quite generous for someone who can’t seem to own up to his mistakes.”

Tom’s smile faltered, but he recovered quickly, chuckling. “Mistakes? Sounds like someone’s desperate.”

Helen sneered. “James, stop embarrassing yourself. Tom’s obviously leagues above you.”

George nodded, sipping his wine. “If you cared about Pamela, you’d step aside and let her be with someone worthy of her.”

James ignored their taunts, keeping his gaze locked on Tom. “You know exactly what I’m talking about, Tom. The hit-and-run.”

Tom’s smirk faded. “Accusing me now? Pathetic.”

James pulled out his phone. “Pathetic? Let’s take a look.” He pressed play, and the screen displayed footage of a black Mercedes S600, speeding down the street and hitting his sister, then driving off.

Helen scoffed. “That could be anyone’s car, James. Honestly, you’re reaching.”

Tom forced a laugh, but his face had paled slightly. “See, even Helen understands. There are hundreds of black Mercedes S600s. You’re just trying to slander me.”

James raised an eyebrow, unfazed. “Oh, I thought you might say that.” He swiped through the photos on his phone, enlarging a close-up still from the video, showing Tom’s face clearly through the windshield at the moment of impact.

Pamela gasped, eyes wide. “Tom… that’s you…”

Tom stammered, looking from James to the screen. “This is a setup! This is blackmail!”

George jumped to Tom’s defense, his tone furious. “Enough of your nonsense, James. This is just an attempt to cover your own failures!”

James kept his voice steady, addressing Pamela directly. “Pamela, I know things have been tense between us, but you need to know the truth. I won’t stand by and let the man who nearly killed Emily walk free.”

Pamela glanced between James and Tom, her expression conflicted. “James, I… I didn’t think you were capable of making up lies like this, but…” She stared at Tom. “Tom, what’s going on?”

Tom cleared his throat, managing a feeble smile. “Pamela, don’t tell me you believe him. He’s just grasping at straws. Besides, you know what people say about James—he’s been down on his luck for years. He’s just trying to blame someone for it.”

James took a step forward, his voice firm. “This isn’t about luck, Tom. It’s about justice for Emily. You left her there, in pain, and now you’re here, acting like a hero? You can’t talk your way out of this.”

Tom’s gaze flickered, his confidence cracking. He looked away, avoiding the eyes now fixed on him.

Pamela’s voice was quiet but laced with steel. “I never knew you were capable of something like this, Tom. Emily could have died.”

Helen sputtered, her confidence faltering. “Pamela, darling, don’t be dramatic. Tom made a mistake, but James is just blowing it out of proportion.”

Pamela straightened, her eyes filled with a newfound resolve. “No, Mother. James is standing up for Emily. And maybe… maybe I need to start standing up for him.”

A silence fell over the room, each person processing the weight of what had just unfolded.