Back at the mansion, Ellen was waiting for me, her expression tense with anticipation. « How did it go? » she asked, as soon as I walked through the door.
« There’s hope, » I said, offering her a reassuring smile. « We’ve got some options to explore. »
She let out a breath I hadn’t realized she was holding. « Thank you, Dad, » she said, her voice a mix of relief and gratitude.
We spent the evening going over the documents, piecing together the puzzle of our family’s financial history. It was a slow process, but with each piece, the picture became clearer.
« I’m sorry for not telling you sooner, » Ellen said quietly, as we worked side by side.
« I’m sorry for not being here, » I replied, the words heavy with regret.
As the night wore on, I felt the distance between us begin to close. We were a long way from resolving everything, but for the first time in years, I felt like we were moving in the right direction.
Note: This story is a work of fiction inspired by real events. Names, characters, and details have been altered.
