“No,” Grace replied softly. “Because I never needed to display my pain. Being a widow isn’t something you show off. It’s something you learn to live with.”
Victoria cleared her throat, visibly shaken.
“Well… that still doesn’t change—”
“It changes everything,” Grace interrupted gently. “Because today, you didn’t just insult me. You disrespected the memory of a man who gave his life helping others. And you hurt the daughter I raised to be better than me.”
Emily couldn’t hold back anymore. She stepped forward and embraced her mother tightly.
“I’m sorry,” Daniel said quietly, looking at his mother.
Victoria glanced around the room—but the admiration she was used to was gone. In its place were cold, disapproving looks.
“Maybe… I went too far,” she muttered.
Grace gently pulled away from her daughter.
“I don’t need an apology,” she said calmly. “Only the truth… and respect.”
She picked up her coat.
“I wish you all a good evening.”
“Mom, I’m going with you,” Emily said immediately.
Grace smiled softly.
“No, sweetheart. You stay. This is your life. Just remember who you are.”
Daniel stepped beside Emily.
“If she goes, I go too.”
Grace looked at them both… then nodded.
“Then let’s go.”