Chapter 7 - VICTORIA LOSES EVERYTHINGVictoria's trial became one of the biggest scandals in the city's history.
She faced fraud charges.
Harassment charges.
Financial crimes.
And obstruction.
Her lawyers tried everything.
But the evidence was overwhelming.
The judge finally delivered the verdict.
Guilty.
Victoria's empire collapsed.
Her assets were frozen.
Her properties were seized.
The company she had spent decades controlling was gone.
Daniel stepped forward.
But instead of taking everything, he created a trust.
Employees were protected.
Small investors were compensated.
Victims received restitution.
Victoria watched from the courtroom.
She had expected revenge.
Instead, she saw mercy.
That hurt more.
After the verdict, she asked to speak with Sarah.
Sarah almost refused.
But she went.
Victoria sat behind the glass.
She looked smaller.
Older.
Human.
“I don't expect forgiveness.”
Sarah said nothing.
Victoria continued.
“I wanted to say one thing.”
“What?”
“Your mother was stronger than I ever was.”
Sarah's eyes hardened.
“You don't get to praise her.”
“I know.”
“You hurt her.”
“Yes.”
“You hurt me.”
“Yes.”
“You hurt Leo.”
Victoria nodded.
“I know.”
Sarah stared at her.
“Then why did you do it?”
Victoria looked down.
“Because I thought losing Daniel meant losing everything.”
Sarah shook her head.
“You had everything.”
Victoria looked up.
“No.”
She whispered,
“I had money.”
Sarah left without another word.
Outside, Daniel waited.
“How was it?”
“Sad.”
“Do you forgive her?”
“No.”
Daniel nodded.
“That's okay.”
Sarah looked at him.
“But I don't hate her anymore.”
He smiled.
“That is more than she deserves.”
“No.”
Sarah shook her head.
“It isn't for her.”
“Then who?”
“For me.”
Daniel understood.
May you like
Letting go wasn't forgiveness.
It was freedom.
