Chapter 6: Letters from a Broken Heart
The stress of the impending corporate war took a devastating toll. The next morning, Victoria Bennett collapsed from a stress-induced heart attack. News of her hospitalization sent shockwaves through the stock market, and Julian Vance immediately moved to declare Victoria legally incapacitated to seize total control.
Emily, driven by an emotion she couldn't quite define, found herself standing outside Victoria's intensive care room. Chloe was already there, weeping silently against the glass. When Chloe saw Emily, she didn't glare; she reached out and pulled Emily into a desperate, tight hug.
"She keeps calling for Sarah," Chloe sobbed. "And she keeps asking for you."
Emily stepped into the quiet room. Victoria looked shockingly fragile beneath the hospital gown, stripped of her makeup and armor. When she opened her eyes and saw Emily, a tear slipped down her temple.
"I kept them," Victoria whispered hoarsely, pointing weakly toward her handbag on the bedside table. "Under the lining..."
Emily opened the bag and tore back the silk lining. Inside lay a bundle of faded, yellowed letters. They were written in her mother’s elegant, looping handwriting. They were never sent to Victoria; they had been intercepted by Richard Bennett decades ago, but Victoria had found them in his safe after his death.
May you like
Emily read the words silently, her tears blurring the ink. “Victoria, they told me to leave, but I want you to know I don’t hold hatred. Build your life. Be happy. Our friendship was the truest thing I ever knew. I will keep the ring. Always.”
Sarah had forgiven Victoria long before she died. The revelation broke the last wall of anger inside Emily’s heart. She took Victoria’s frail hand, squeezing it tightly. "We are going to fight them, Victoria. Together."
