Chapter 10: The Fall of the Empire
During the recess, the consequences of the revelation unfolded swiftly. Representatives from the district attorney's office approached Evelyn's legal team in the hallway, serving papers for a grand jury investigation into financial fraud, illegal interception of trust funds, and forgery.
Evelyn sat alone on a bench in the marble corridor. Her high-powered lawyers were huddled nearby, frantically discussing plea bargains and damage control.
Victor walked over, stopping a few feet away from her.
Evelyn looked up, her eyes sunken, the carefully constructed facade completely gone. "You ruined everything," she whispered, her voice trembling. "The family name... our legacy... ruined."
"You ruined it yourself, Mom," Victor said softly, without anger, only a profound sadness. "You thought money and standing were everything. You sacrificed your own son, your daughter-in-law, and your granddaughter for appearances."
"I did it for the family!" she insisted, her voice breaking.
May you like
"No," Victor replied, looking down at her. "You did it for yourself. Catherine died alone in a small cottage, but she died surrounded by love and real friends. You are sitting in this grand hallway, surrounded by millions of dollars, and you have nobody."
He turned and walked away, leaving her sitting alone in the cold shadow of her own creation.
