I never told my parents I was a federal judge. To them, I was still

“Elena, what are you doing?” Chloe sneered, her voice dripping with disdain.

“No, Elena, wait!” Beatrice shrieked, desperation creeping into her voice.

I ignored them both, the reality of my position washing over me like a tide of steel resolve. For the first time in years, I was exactly where I needed to be—standing my ground. I watched as their expressions shifted from panic to disbelief.

“Chloe, you admitted to causing the accident. And mom, you just attempted to coerce me into lying for her,” I said calmly, my words cutting through the air like a knife. “This isn’t about family loyalty; this is about justice.”

“This is insane,” Chloe spat, glaring at me as though I was the very obstacle in her gilded path. “You can’t do this to us!”