Chapter 3: A Choice Between Revenge and Justice
News of the scandal spread across the country overnight.
Victor Romano was arrested while attempting to leave the country.
Old witnesses came forward.
Former employees confessed.
The case that had been buried for two decades was reopened.
Meanwhile, Elena disappeared from public view.
Days later, she arrived alone at Mary's small apartment.
She wore no expensive jewelry.
No designer clothes.
Only a simple black coat.
Mary opened the door but said nothing.
Elena lowered her head.
"I came to apologize."
Mary remained silent.
"My father stole your future."
Elena placed a folder on the table.
"I've transferred every piece of land my family still owns to the victims' families."
Mary looked at the documents.
"This won't erase what happened."
"I know."
"I don't expect forgiveness."
"I only want to stop living behind his lies."
For a long moment, neither woman spoke.
Finally, Mary sighed.
"I spent twenty years wanting revenge."
She closed the folder.
"But revenge would make me carry the same darkness that destroyed my family."
She extended her hand.
"I choose justice instead."
Elena slowly took it.
Not as friends.
May you like
Not yet.
But as two women refusing to let the past define the rest of their lives.
