Victoria and Julian stormed out of the office, slamming the heavy wooden door behind them, leaving only the sound of their retreating footsteps in the hallway.

I remained seated, clutching the letter to my chest. Mr. Vance gave me a soft, respectful smile, offering me a tissue before quietly stepping out to give me a moment of privacy. I picked up the leather-bound notebook from the box and opened the first page. Written inside were daily entries Russell had kept throughout our marriage, filled with simple, beautiful notes about our mornings together, the meals we shared, and how my smile had given him a second chance at happiness.

He hadn’t given me a fortune out of spite for his children. He had given it to me because he loved me, proving that what I truly deserved was not just financial safety, but the deep, unwavering devotion of someone who truly saw my worth.