Chapter 8 - The Reconstruction
"I'm not going to give you back the mansion, Dad," I said into the quiet room. "And I'm not going to give Tyler another loan."
Tyler nodded slowly from the window. "I don't expect it, Lucia. I'm working forty hours a week at the store. I'm paying my own rent now."
"Good," I said.
I looked at my parents. "However, I have set up an irrevocable educational and medical trust for you and Mom. The trust will cover your health insurance, your prescription bills, and a modest, comfortable living allowance every month—administered directly by my legal team. You will never be destitute, but you will never be wealthy off my labor again."
Kenneth wept, clutching his wife's hand tightly. "Lucia... you don't have to do that after everything I did."
"I'm not doing it because you deserve it, Dad," I said gently. "I'm doing it because I refuse to become a bitter person. I refuse to let your past cruelty define the kind of mother I am to Ellie."
Mom stood up and walked over to me, her arms trembling. "Can... can I ever see Ellie again?"
I looked at my mother, seeing the genuine remorse in her eyes.
May you like
"We will start with video calls," I answered softly. "If you can show her patience, love, and respect, you can come visit us in Austin for her sixth birthday this summer."
Mom sobbed, wrapping her arms around me tightly. For the first time in my life, her hug felt real, warm, and free of unspoken expectations.
