Clara walked over to the desk and placed a crisp white paper envelope down.
Julian looked up at the smooth paper sealed with red wax.
Julian: What is this extra letter?
Clara: It is a handwritten note your father wrote three days before he died.
Julian reached out with hesitation and broke the red wax seal with his thumb.
He opened the folded paper and recognized his father's bold blue cursive handwriting.
The letter was short and direct, written with a steady hand.
Dear Julian, if you are reading this, you have likely tried to seize the house by force.
You always thought that money was something to be taken rather than earned.
I left Clara as the official trustee of the family foundation to protect the estate.
However, I have not completely cut you out of my heart or my legacy.
If you complete two years of honest work at our local charity foundation, your trust unlocks.
You will receive a monthly allowance and a chance to regain your seat on the board.
The choice is entirely yours to make today.
Julian read the letter three times as silent tears rolled down his cheeks.
He had spent years believing his father hated him after their past arguments.
He never knew his father had created a clear path for his redemption and recovery.
Julian: He really wrote this himself?
Clara: He loved you until his very last breath, Julian.
Julian wiped his eyes with the back of his sleeve and looked up at Clara.
For the first time in years, the arrogant mask on his face completely melted away.
Julian: I thought he wanted to destroy me completely.
Clara: He wanted to save you from destroying yourself.