Victoria became a trustee of Caroline’s restored estate.
Emma received her mother’s inheritance and continued her education.
Samuel remained my attorney.
And I finally understood something my father had tried to teach me.
Wealth could build a beautiful house.
It could purchase security systems, private hospitals, and the finest legal representation.
But it could not guarantee that the people standing inside that house would love you.
That required something money could never buy.
Character.
***
On the second anniversary of my recovery, I visited Caroline’s grave with Emma.
We placed white roses beside her name.
Emma knelt and brushed a small leaf from the stone.
“I wish I could have saved her.”
I placed my hand on her shoulder.
“You were a child. None of this was your fault.”
She nodded.
Then she looked at me.
“Do you think she would be proud of us?”
I smiled.
“Yes.”
We stood together for a while.
