After My Parents Died, My Aunt Took Their Money and Gave Me Away – 20 Years Later, I Got Hired as Her Housekeeper

"I came to apologize," she said quietly. "You didn't deserve what I did. I ruined everything I touched… and for what? Money that never made me happy."

I folded my arms. "Why now?"

She swallowed. "Because I saw your name in the paper. Your company donated to the foster kids' shelter downtown. You're helping the children I never cared about. I couldn't help one, and you're helping dozens."

Her voice broke. "Your mother would be proud."

For a long moment, I just looked at her. The woman who'd stolen my childhood now stood before me, stripped of everything but her guilt.

"Maybe she would," I said finally. "But she'd want me to forgive you, too."

She blinked. "Do you?"

I smiled faintly. "I'm still learning."

Diane nodded, tears spilling freely now, and quietly walked out.