Chapter 14 - Echoes of the Past
Two years passed.
One brisk morning in autumn, Julian sat in his study reviewing the annual impact report of the Foundation. Under Clara’s leadership, over three thousand children had been placed in safe foster homes, received life-saving medical care, or been provided with educational scholarships.
A knock sounded on the door. Raymond Cross entered, holding a formal legal document.
""Julian,"" Raymond said quietly. ""A notification from the Department of Corrections. Victoria Sterling is eligible for supervised parole review next month. Her legal team has petitioned for a letter of non-objection from you.""
Julian stared at the document. Memories of that horrific afternoon in the foyer—the blood, the screaming, his helpless infant on the checkered floor—flashed through his mind.
""Has she shown genuine remorse?"" Julian asked.
""According to her prison reports, she remains bitter. She still claims she was a victim of a media conspiracy and personal betrayal.""
Julian picked up his pen, looked at a framed photograph on his desk of Clara, Theo, and their newborn daughter, little Eleanor, playing in the Maine garden. His heart felt completely free of hatred. Vengeance had no place in a life overflowing with genuine peace.
He signed the document, checking the box for 'Objection Denied — Defer to State Board Authority.'
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""Let the law handle her, Raymond,"" Julian said peacefully. ""I will not waste a single second of my life hating a woman who destroyed herself. We have too many lives to build to spend our days looking back at shadows.""
Raymond nodded respectfully, taking the folder. ""A wise decision, Julian.""
