Charlotte turned on him. “Dad, stop! The board thinks I falsified projections. When Lena pulled out, the numbers collapsed.”

He barked back, “Fix it.”

And for the first time, I saw it—Charlotte wasn’t cherished. She was useful.

Diane softened her tone. “We’ll help with the twins now. We’ll make this right.”

“No,” I said. “You don’t get access to my children.”

A courier arrived holding a folder stamped: BROOKS BIOMEDICAL — EMERGENCY BOARD NOTICE.

Charlotte grabbed it. Her face drained of color.

“They’re voting to remove me,” she whispered.

“I was CEO because Lena’s capital made me look competent,” she admitted bitterly. “Her team negotiated contracts. Her backing built our reputation.”

Richard stiffened. “Be careful what you say.”

Charlotte turned toward the camera, eyes glistening. “Who am I without them cheering?”

“You get to find out,” I answered.

Diane sobbed. “We raised you.”

“You raised Charlotte,” I said quietly. “You managed me.”

Charlotte finally asked, “What do you want?”

I considered it. What I wanted—a different past—was impossible.

“I want peace,” I said. “And I want my children far from anyone who calls them burdens.”