Chapter 13: Forgiveness and Closure**
Before Richard Sterling’s trial began, Victoria received a formal request from his defense attorney: Richard wanted to see her one last time at the federal detention center.
Elena advised against it, worried for Victoria’s emotional well-being, but Victoria knew she needed this final step to completely close the chapter on the Sterling name.
Sitting behind the thick glass partition in the visiting room, Victoria looked at Richard. Stripped of his tailored suits and expensive grooming, wearing an orange jumpsuit, Richard looked hollow and defeated.
“Why did you come?” Richard asked bitterly, picking up the telephone receiver.
“Because I wanted you to know that I don't hate you,” Victoria answered calmly through the phone.
Richard scoffed, but his eyes betrayed his insecurity. “You took everything from me. The company is broken up, the family name is ruined, and I’m going to spend the rest of my life in a cage.”
“Arthur ruined this family the day he bought me, Richard,” Victoria replied with quiet authority. “He raised you to believe that money was the only measure of human worth, and it poisoned you. I’m not angry anymore. I’m just sorry for you.”
Richard stared at her, unable to find a caustic retort. For the first time in his life, he saw that Victoria had truly won—not by taking his wealth, but by finding something money could never buy.
May you like
Victoria hung up the receiver, stood up, and walked away without looking back.
---
