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.
