Chapter Six: The Letter
Dear Simone,
Her hands trembled as she read.
If you’re reading this, I’m gone and you’ve just learned the truth.
I imagine you’re in shock. That’s okay. Take all the time you need.
But when you’re ready, I need you to be strong.
Simone wiped her eyes. Kept reading.
Dererick will try to fight this. He’ll claim you manipulated me. He’ll say I was senile. He’ll drag this through court if he can.
Don’t let him intimidate you.
Thomas Patterson is the best attorney in the state. The will is unbreakable. The evidence is overwhelming. You will win.
You’re probably wondering why I chose you. Let me explain.
For three years, I watched you care for me with patience and kindness I didn’t deserve. You weren’t related to me. You weren’t paid to do it.
You did it because you saw me as a human being worth caring about.
That’s rare, Simone. That’s precious.
Her vision blurred.
She pressed the heel of her hand against her eyes.
During our conversations, I saw your intelligence. Your common sense. Your integrity.
You asked thoughtful questions. You challenged my ideas respectfully. You understood business concepts faster than people with MBAs.
You had wisdom beyond your education.
Most importantly, you never once asked me for anything. Never hinted that you expected an inheritance. Never treated me differently when you learned how much money I had.
You just loved an old man who needed love.
That’s why I’m giving you everything.
Simone sobbed once. Loud. Alone in the conference room.
Dererick will tell people you’re a gold digger. Let him talk.
The people who matter will see the truth.
Now, here’s what I need you to do.
First, take care of yourself. Get a good therapist. Process everything that’s happened. Grieve the marriage you thought you had. Mourn me if you want to, though I hope you’ll remember me with happiness, not sadness.
Second, learn the business. I’ve left you materials in a safe deposit box. Business plans. Client lists. Company history. Study it all.
Talk to the good employees. I’ve left you a list of who to trust.
Fire the people who helped Dererick steal. Clean house.
Third, don’t try to save Dererick.
Simone stopped reading.
She stared at those words.
Don’t try to save Dererick.
Harold knew her too well.
I know you have a kind heart. You might be tempted to drop the charges. Give him another chance.
Don’t.
Dererick needs to face consequences. It’s the only way he might ever learn.
And honestly, he probably won’t learn anyway. Some people are just broken.
Fourth, build something beautiful. Take my company and make it even better. Treat employees well. Serve clients honestly.
Build something you can be proud of.
Fifth, and this is important—live your life.
You’re only thirty-six. You have decades ahead of you. Don’t spend them alone.
Find someone who sees your worth. Have adventures. Be happy.
That’s the best way to honor my memory.
Simone’s hand shook so badly she almost dropped the letter.
You’re going to do great things, Simone. I know it.
I’ve seen your strength even when you didn’t see it yourself.
Don’t let Dererick or anyone else make you doubt yourself.
You earned this. Not through manipulation or seduction. But through being a genuinely good person in a world that doesn’t have enough of those.
I’m proud of you. I’m grateful I got to know you.
And I’m excited to see what you do with the opportunities ahead. Even if I won’t be there to see it.
Thank you for making an old man’s last years meaningful.
With love and respect,
Harold
Simone read the letter three times.
Crying through each reading.
Harold’s voice was so clear in the words.
She could hear his cadence. His warmth. His humor.
Finally, she folded the letter carefully.
Put it back in the envelope.
Wiped her eyes.
Took several deep breaths.
Then stood up. Walked to the door. Opened it.
Thomas Patterson was waiting in the hallway.
“Are you ready to begin?” he asked.
“Yes,” Simone said.
Her voice was steady now.
“Tell me everything I need to know.”
