Chapter 25 - DIANA’S LETTERWalter found Diana’s letter while updating the children’s trust files.
It had been sealed for delivery when Ben turned eighteen.
But a separate note on the envelope allowed Mason to share it earlier “if the children ever begin believing money determines whether they belong.”
Walter called.
“I think this qualifies.”
Mason read first.
Diana’s handwriting.
Familiar enough to hurt instantly.
Mason,
If you are reading this before the children are grown, something probably became complicated. Families usually do.
He laughed through tears.
Diana wrote that the trust existed not to make Ben and Ava wealthy.
It existed to give them choices.
Education.
Safety.
Time.
Freedom from being controlled by anyone who could threaten housing, school, or money.
Mason stopped.
Clarissa had tried to do exactly that.
Then:
Please do not let money turn either child into a project.
They are people before they are beneficiaries.
Mason closed his eyes.
Another:
Ben will try to protect Ava. He was doing it even when she was a baby. Remind him sometimes that being her brother is enough.
Mason cried openly.
Diana had seen it years before.
Then:
Ava will probably learn how to make everyone do what she wants by smiling. Good luck with that.
Mason laughed.
True.
He shared selected parts with the children.
Ben’s section.
Ava’s joke.
The line about money and choice.
Not everything.
Some words could wait.
Ben asked:
“Did Mom know Clarissa?”
“No.”
“Then how did she know?”
“She knew you.”
Ben looked at the letter.
That was enough.
Mason placed it back in the safe.
Not hidden.
May you like
Protected.
There was a difference.
