Chapter 44: Isabella's Letter

The old piano stood in the east sitting room of the Whitmore estate.

Scarlett had not entered that room since childhood. Dust covered the polished black surface. The keys were slightly yellowed. Her mother had played there on rainy evenings while Scarlett sat beneath the bench and listened.

Police had sealed most of the estate, but Grace arranged access under supervision.

Alexander insisted on coming despite doctor's orders. Scarlett refused with equal force.

'You were shot four days ago,' she said.

'I can sit in a car.'

'You can sit in a hospital bed.'

His expression became stubborn. Hers became worse.

Luca finally drove Scarlett and Grace to the estate while Alexander sent six guards and three threatening messages.

Inside the east room, Scarlett touched the piano with trembling fingers. Grace found the hidden panel beneath the music stand. Inside lay a sealed envelope, yellowed with age.

To my Scarlett, when you are old enough to understand.

Scarlett nearly broke at the handwriting.

She read the letter alone in the garden where her mother's white roses once grew.

Isabella wrote that she had discovered Richard's affair and Evelyn's financial manipulation. She wrote that she planned to leave and protect Scarlett's inheritance. She wrote that if anything happened to her, Scarlett must trust her grandfather and never believe she was unwanted.

The final lines blurred beneath Scarlett's tears.

My darling girl, if I am not beside you when you become a woman, know this: your worth will never depend on who chooses you, who leaves you, or what the world says your body can do. You are mine, and you are enough. Live loudly. Love bravely. Do not let anyone make you small.

Scarlett pressed the letter to her chest and cried as she had not cried since childhood.

When she returned to the car, Luca looked away respectfully.

At the hospital, Alexander was awake and angry she had taken longer than expected. His anger vanished when he saw her face.

Scarlett handed him the letter with shaking hands.

He read it silently.

When he finished, he looked at her with tenderness so deep it hurt.

'She knew you,' he said.

Scarlett nodded through tears.

'Yes. She did.'

And for the first time in fourteen years, her mother's voice felt louder than Evelyn's cruelty.