Chapter 15 - My Mother’s Foundation Became Mine
Months passed.
The Evelyn Ashford Foundation reopened under independent oversight.
Elena sold several companies tied to Franklin.
Money recovered from fraudulent transactions went back into charitable programs.
The first new shelter opened in her mother’s name.
At the dedication, Elena stood before hundreds of people.
Someone asked whether she considered herself a survivor.
She thought carefully.
“No.”
Cameras waited.
Elena smiled.
“I consider myself an owner of my own life.”
The quote went everywhere.
But that evening, when the cameras disappeared, she found Luca waiting outside.
No guards.
No expensive car.
Just Luca.
“You did well.”
“That almost sounded like a compliment.”
“Don’t become spoiled.”
She smiled.
Then she asked the question they had both avoided.
“What happens to us?”
Luca looked at her for a long time.
“Whatever you choose.”
May you like
And that answer was precisely why she kissed him.
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