I found myself wondering what Mark would say if he knew. Would he regret the paltry settlement, the dismissive way he’d cast me aside? Or would he remain oblivious, cocooned in his world of surface-level success? It didn’t matter anymore. His opinion was as irrelevant as the faded dress I wore.

As I walked, I dialed David Lin back. There was much to discuss, plans to make, and a company to guide into a brighter, sustainable future. Inherited wealth and responsibility were daunting, but they were also thrilling. My hands trembled not with fear, but with excitement at what lay ahead.