They Poisoned My Father, So I Bankrupted Their Billion-Dollar Empire

Chapter 22: The Settlement Offer II

The federal summons must have spooked them. Three days later, Jack and Elena were summoned to a neutral location—a high-end mediation center downtown.

This time, Marcus Thorne wasn't there. Instead, a team of five corporate litigators sat across the glass table. They pushed a single piece of paper toward Jack.

"$5,000,000," the lead lawyer said. "Tax-free. Structured over twenty years via a guaranteed annuity."

Jack looked at the number. It was more money than his father had made in ten lifetimes. It would pay for his mom’s surgery, the house, a new truck, everything.

"We can set up a structured settlement," the lawyer continued, sensing Jack’s hesitation. "Immediate payout of one million, the rest in monthly installments. It ensures long-term financial security."

"And the journal?" Jack asked. "The tape?"

"Destroyed," the lawyer said. "And you sign a complete confidentiality agreement. You never speak the name OmniCore again."

Elena remained silent. She let Jack lead.

Jack thought about the dust in the attic. He thought about Silas shaking in the quarry. He thought about the other families who got nothing.

"Does it come with an apology?" Jack asked quietly.

"It comes with a gag order," the lawyer replied sharply. "Take it or leave it."