Margaret embraced Daniel. He stood stiff at first, then looked at Charles.
“Can I call you Dad?”
Charles dropped to his knees and held him tightly. “Yes. You can.”
But Daniel’s face grew serious again.
“There’s more. Mom said someone made sure you didn’t know.”
Charles frowned. “Who?”
Daniel pulled out another envelope.
“Your sister. Victoria.”
As if summoned, a car pulled into the driveway. Victoria entered moments later, poised and elegant—until she saw Daniel.
“What is this?”
Charles held up the letter. “This is Daniel. My son. And this is the letter you sent Elena thirteen years ago.”
Victoria’s composure cracked. “I was protecting the family.”
“You were protecting appearances,” Charles said coldly. “You forced her out.”
Daniel stepped forward calmly. “My mom worked three jobs. She sold her jewelry to buy my textbooks. And you treated her like she didn’t matter.”
Victoria’s voice wavered. “I thought it was best.”
“It was prejudice,” Charles replied.
Daniel inhaled deeply. “My mom made me promise not to live with hatred. So I forgive you, Aunt Victoria. That doesn’t erase what happened. It just means I won’t carry it.”
Victoria blinked back tears. “I don’t deserve that.”