Chapter 23 - Thomas’s Final Letter
Thomas died without another meeting with Marissa.
He respected.
But he left her a letter through executor.
Executor asked before delivery.
Marissa said yes.
Marissa,
I called Owen a bastard because I wanted to make you feel smaller than the documents in your hands.
No euphemism.
Then:
I knew Evan existed. I knew Patrick was Henry’s son. I believed Patrick’s old settlement should have ended the matter, but by the time I signed the no-descendant declaration I also knew that was not a factual statement.
Then:
I wanted the five-year clock.
There.
Then:
I told myself I was protecting Whitmore Infrastructure from uncertainty. I was also protecting a future inheritance for myself and Adrian. Adrian refused to do what I did.
I didn’t need praise.
Then:
North Ridge was a good acquisition. My conflict disclosure was not good enough. Both can be true.
Yes.
Then:
I am sorry for the way I spoke to you and Owen.
Then:
You do not owe me forgiveness.
Marissa finished.
“What do you think?”
I asked years later when she told.
“I forgave him before letter.”
“Why?”
“Because I didn’t want him in every trust statement.”
Good.
Then:
“Did it make you like him?”
“No.”
We laughed.
She kept letter.
Not because reconciliation.
History.
Then Thomas estate had no bequest to Owen.
Important.
No apology check.
Then Owen:
“Good.”
Why?
“I don’t want every adult mistake ending in money.”
Exactly.
Then Adrian asked:
“Do you forgive Thomas?”
“Yes.”
“Miss?”
“Sometimes.”
He was uncle.
Taught me fishing.
First board meeting.
Also lied.
People complicated.
Then Marissa:
“Evan would hate that answer.”
Maybe.
Then we laughed.
May you like
No final villain.
Just consequences.
