Chapter 16 - THE LAWSUIT
Melisande did not drop the civil case.
She narrowed it.
Claim:
I had intentionally interfered with her daughter’s Alden application by contacting the school before admissions review.
Naomi almost smiled.
“I hope she enjoys discovery.”
Still, we did not assume victory.
I had contacted Ivo’s school.
Then Alden through the authorship process.
Was that improper interference?
Likely protected as good-faith reporting.
But litigation costs money.
Time.
Attention.
I wanted settlement.
Not because I feared truth.
Because two children deserved fewer depositions.
Mediation.
Melisande demanded:
Public statement that her daughter did not steal Ivo’s work.
I agreed instantly.
True.
Then:
Statement that Melisande never intended fraud.
No.
Intent had been formally adjudicated in trust proceedings.
Then she demanded I reimburse part of her legal fees.
No.
I demanded she acknowledge:
Ivo authored the three disputed items.
She resisted for three hours.
Finally signed.
Settlement:
Both parties dismiss civil claims.
No damages.
Each pays own fees.
Joint child-protection statement:
Neither Ivo nor Melisande’s daughter was responsible for the adult dispute surrounding portfolio materials.
Melisande acknowledges Ivo was original recipient/creator of the three disputed achievements.
Lucasta acknowledges the daughter did not knowingly steal or falsify those items.
No further public commentary identifying either child.
Good.
Specific.
Boring.
Useful.
Then Melisande asked to speak to me alone.
May you like
I declined.
Not yet.
