Chapter 9 - The Man Who Chose the TruthVictor publicly admitted what he had done.
He had been afraid.
Afraid of scandal.
Afraid of losing control.
Afraid of confronting Vanessa and the people who had helped bury Isabelle's name.
His confession devastated the family.
But it also changed Elena's opinion of him.
He was not innocent.
Yet for the first time, he was telling the truth.
"I failed your mother," Victor said.
Elena stared at him.
"Yes."
"I failed you."
"Yes."
"I don't expect forgiveness."
Elena's eyes softened slightly.
"Good."
Victor almost smiled through his tears.
May you like
Because forgiveness that was demanded was meaningless.
And perhaps, someday, forgiveness that was earned might mean something.
Related Stories
Chapter 10 - Vanessa's Last WeaponVanessa refused to surrender quietly.
Chapter 11 - The Return of the Laurent NameElena moved into the Laurent estate.
Chapter 12 - The Portrait in the HallOne evening, Elena discovered an old portrait hidden behind a tapestry.
Chapter 13 - The ApologyVanessa eventually asked to see Elena.
Chapter 14 - The FoundationMonths passed.
Chapter 15 - The Empty ChairOne year after the ballroom incident, Elena returned to the same gala.
