Chapter 13 - What Really Happened
Evelyn told them everything.
Their father had been drowning in debt.
Eleanor discovered the problem.
Together, they planned to seize control of the company.
Evelyn found out.
She threatened to expose them.
Eleanor arranged for her to be taken away.
But Charles Mercer intervened.
He helped Evelyn disappear.
She spent years living under another name.
She watched her daughters from a distance.
Every birthday.
Every graduation.
Every newspaper article about Victoria's success.
She wanted to return.
But Eleanor's threats continued.
Then came Mia's wedding.
Evelyn almost returned.
But Eleanor warned her:
"If you appear, Mia dies."
Victoria's hands clenched.
"You let us believe you abandoned us."
"I thought distance would keep you alive."
Mia cried.
"It broke me."
Evelyn lowered her head.
"I know."
Victoria sat beside her.
"We can't change the past."
Evelyn looked at her.
"No."
Victoria took her hand.
"But we can stop letting the past control us."
For the first time, Evelyn smiled.
A fragile smile.
May you like
But real.
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