Chapter 13 - The ApologyVanessa eventually asked to see Elena.
No lawyers.
No cameras.
No family.
Just two women in an empty garden.
Vanessa looked older.
Smaller.
"I was cruel to you."
Elena remained silent.
"I thought if Isabelle's daughter returned, I would lose everything."
"You did."
Vanessa lowered her head.
"I know."
A long silence followed.
Then Elena said:
"You lost your position."
Vanessa looked up.
"But you don't have to lose your humanity."
Vanessa began to cry.
Elena did not hug her.
Not yet.
Some wounds needed distance.
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But Elena gave her something Vanessa had never expected.
A chance to become someone better than the woman she had been.
Related Stories
Chapter 14 - The FoundationMonths passed.
Chapter 15 - The Empty ChairOne year after the ballroom incident, Elena returned to the same gala.
Chapter 16 - The Last SecretThat night, Elena found an envelope waiting in her study.
Chapter 17 - The SearchElena began searching.
Chapter 18 - A New BeginningMeanwhile, the Laurent family changed.
Chapter 19 - The Letter That Changed EverythingOn the anniversary of the night Elena had returned to the Laurent ballroom, another letter arrived.
