Then the prosecutor explained:

“A plea can spare Chloe future testimony and still create serious consequences.”

That changed my thinking.

Protecting Chloe mattered more than my fantasy of Gertrude being publicly condemned.

PART 36 — THE PLEA

Months later, Gertrude pleaded guilty to serious felony offenses arising from the intentional injury and related abusive conduct.

The exact agreement did not declare her responsible for every bruise Chloe had ever had.

Evidence does not become stronger through exaggeration.