Chapter 13 - THE DONNA WITHOUT A CROWN
By autumn, the Ashcroft Foundation had recovered a substantial portion of the misdirected funds.
Additional claims remained under investigation.
The foundation resumed its planned programs under independent supervision.
Vivien visited a scholarship ceremony in Chicago.
Thirty-two students were receiving support.
She sat in the back row.
No necklace.
No entourage.
Just a woman in a gray coat.
One student approached afterward.
"Mrs. Ashcroft?"
Vivien smiled.
"Vivien is fine."
The young woman hesitated.
"My mother said you helped keep our scholarship."
Vivien nodded.
"The trustees worked very hard."
The student smiled.
"Thank you."
Vivien felt her throat tighten.
"You're welcome."
The girl hurried away.
Vivien watched her join her family.
For the first time in months, she felt something she hadn't expected.
Peace.
Not because everything had been repaired.
It hadn't.
Not because Damian had become a different man.
He hadn't.
But because Vivien had stopped measuring her life by what she'd lost.
She was beginning to measure it by what she could still build.
That evening, Caterina called.
"The next Summit is approaching."
Vivien looked at her calendar.
"I know."
"Will you attend?"
Vivien smiled.
"Of course."
"Will you wear the necklace?"
Vivien considered.
Then answered:
"I haven't decided."
May you like
Caterina laughed.
"Good."
