Dawn knocked on Peige's door, and it swung open almost immediately. Tara stood there, already frowning like Dawn had showed up just to ruin her day.
"What do you want?" Tara snapped.
Dawn didn't bother answering. She just gave a small calm smile, handed Tara a folded piece of paper with an address written on it, and turned to go.
Tara stared at the paper, confused and annoyed at the same time. She shut the door slowly, still trying to figure out what Dawn was planning.
* * * * * *
Back at home, Dawn found the rest of the siblings downstairs, except Jason. She sighed. He was still sulking.
She went up to his room and knocked. No reply. She pushed the door open and saw him sitting on the bed with headphones on, music blasting his brain.
"Hey," she said softly, touching his shoulder.
Jason paused his music, turning to her. There was guilt all over his face. "Hey… I'm sorry. Leslie told me everything."
They headed downstairs together. Dawn explained the plan quickly.
"We're going to the Manchesters' house. We're inviting Daphne and Adam to the pizzeria."
* * * * * *
A short while later, they were at the Manchesters'. Daphne opened the door and welcomed them in. Dawn talked her through the plan, and Daphne nodded, even though worry showed in her eyes.
"Are you sure Adam will even agree to this?" she asked.
Dawn just gave a knowing smile. Then she led the kids straight to Adam's room. Daphne followed, curious.
They didn't bother knocking, they just walked in.
"Hello, Adam," they all said.
Silence. Adam didn't even lift his head.
Dawn bent down and whispered something to Amy. Amy nodded, walked up to Adam, and tugged his hand with those innocent little fingers.
"Come on. Let's go eat pizza," she said.
Adam looked at her for a moment, then sighed. He couldn't refuse a kid. He stood up and followed them out.
* * * * * *
Meanwhile, things were blowing up at Peige's house.
Tara stood in front of her mother, shaking with anger. "I went to your lovers. Plural. And guess what? You were cheating even when you were married. What kind of woman does that?"
Peige didn't even look ashamed. "I don't owe you an explanation. I live how I want."
"You were already cheating on Dad while you were pregnant with me! And you just pretend nothing happened?" Tara's voice cracked.
Peige rolled her eyes. "Oh please. I know what Dawn is doing. She's trying to turn you all against me and it's working."
"Stop blaming Dawn! YOU did this. You're the reason I grew up with broken parents!"
Peige still wasn't listening. Tara finally gave up, stormed off to pack her bags. She didn't know where she was going; she just knew she was done here.
* * * * * *
At the pizzeria, Dawn, Daphne, Adam, and the siblings slid into a booth. Dawn greeted Alex and placed the order with an easy smile. The smell of pizza filled the place and for a second, life looked normal.
Dawn tried talking to Adam, but he barely gave a word. He was there physically, but his mind was clearly still in that hospital room.
A few minutes later, the meal was finished. Dawn waved Alex goodbye.They walked out of the pizzeria as Dawn made instructions:
"Leslie, Jason, Amy, go with Adam. Daphne and I have something else to take care of."
* * * * * *
Dawn went back to Peige's house and knocked again. Peige opened the door, already furious.
"I came to tell you something," Dawn said calmly. "Get a good lawyer. I'm not backing down."
Peige laughed like she didn't believe it, but Dawn didn't react.
"You know what? I am tired of you controlling my life and the lives of my siblings. I am not fourteen or eighteen anymore, Peige. I am now a grown up woman and I'll show you that I don't joke with family."
Peige scoffed but Dawn just walked away, leaving Peige speechless for once.
* * * * * *
The next day, the courtroom was tense and quiet. Dawn sat at the plaintiff's table, hands locked together. Daphne sat beside her, not dramatic, just steady and supportive.
Across the room, Peige looked uneasy, trying to act confident but failing at it.
The judge, a strict-looking woman with glasses, shuffled her papers.
"We are here regarding the case of Dawn Collins versus Peige Silvester, involving falsified documents and harassment," she announced.
Dawn's lawyer stood. "Your Honor, the evidence is straightforward. My client and her siblings were handed fake DNA results by Miss Silvester, claiming they were adopted. Because of this lie, the twins, who are minors, suffered emotional distress and confusion. This was not an accident. It was intentional."
The judge turned to Peige, unimpressed. "Miss Silvester, do you understand this is not a joke? Falsifying documents, lying to a family, mentally manipulating children? That is not harmless drama. That is cruelty."
Peige opened her mouth. "I didn't—"
"Don't speak unless asked," the judge snapped.
Dawn's lawyer continued, "We are requesting a restraining order and financial damages for counseling costs."
The judge nodded once.
"This court rules in favor of the plaintiff. Miss Peige Silvester, a restraining order is issued immediately. You will stay away from Dawn Collins and her siblings. You will also pay $10,000 in damages, and you are assigned fifty hours of community service. Maybe then you'll learn what honesty looks like."
The room was silent. Peige's mouth hung open, but nothing came out.
Gavel slammed. Case closed.
Dawn exhaled, relief washing over her. Daphne placed a hand on her shoulder and whispered, "It's over. She can't touch you anymore."
And for the first time in a long while, Dawn actually believed it.