Chapter 9 - The $80 Million CheckThree years after that night, Beatrice came to see me.
She looked older.
Much older.
She placed something on my desk.
The original $80 million check.
I stared at it.
“I never cashed it.”
“I know.”
“Why bring it back?”
She sat down.
“I was wrong.”
I looked at her.
“You were.”
She swallowed.
“I believed blood was everything.”
“And now?”
She looked through the window.
“Now I understand that family is who protects you when blood isn't enough.”
I didn't answer.
She continued.
“I treated you terribly.”
“Yes.”
“I thought you were standing between my son and his future.”
“I was standing between your son and his lies.”
She nodded.
“I know.”
Then she pushed the check toward me.
“I want you to have it.”
I shook my head.
“I don't need it.”
“Take it.”
“No.”
She looked confused.
“Why?”
“Because that check represents what you thought I was worth.”
I pushed it back.
“My value was never eighty million dollars.”
Beatrice began crying.
“I know that now.”
She left shortly afterward.
I framed the check.
Not as a trophy.
May you like
As a reminder.
Never allow anyone to put a price on your dignity.
