Mama's boy Evan kept coming to my office.

99 roses daily. Rain or shine.

All trashed.

Why forgive a deserter?

This life? I live for myself.

Only myself.

Ben's defamation lawsuit arrived on a Tuesday. I read it over breakfast, laughed, and forwarded it to my legal team.

"Counter-sue. Include the financial fraud, the identity theft, and—oh yes—the murder."

My lawyer paused. "The murder?"

"Long story. Just build the strongest case you can with what we have. The man helped siphon my father's company. Every transaction is documented."

The case went viral. Obviously.

Lily livestreamed the courthouse steps. I wore Mom's favorite color—navy blue.

Ben's lawyer tried to paint me as a scorned daughter seeking revenge.

My lawyer presented three years of forged signatures, unauthorized transfers totaling $4.2 million, and Sophia's own testimony from prison confirming Ben's role.

The judge didn't even need a full day.

Ben got twelve years. Sophia got eight.

Outside the courthouse, reporters swarmed.

"Miss Vivi, any comment?"

"Justice tastes like soup dumplings. Next question."

Dad watched the verdict from the gallery. I saw him when I turned to leave.

He looked small. Broken. Old.

For one second—one fraction of a heartbeat—I wanted to walk over and say, "It's okay, Dad."

But then I remembered Mom's burned photos. The slap across my face. The words "I should have strangled you at birth."

Some wounds heal.

Some just stop bleeding.

I nodded at him once—just once—and walked into the sunlight.

It wasn't forgiveness.

But it was a start.