PART 3
When I arrived at Nathaniel’s office, Julian was already sitting next to two lawyers in expensive suits. I placed the framed photo on the conference table and sat across from him.
“Let’s be reasonable,” Julian said. “Sign the waiver and I’ll increase the settlement to fifty thousand dollars.”
“I didn’t come here to sign anything.”
One of his lawyers leaned forward.
“You should consider the cost of a lengthy litigation. Our client is making a generous offer.”
“Your client threw me out after eighteen years for four hundred dollars. I wouldn’t call that generosity.”
Nathaniel gave me a slight, encouraging nod. I took the letter out of my bag.
“What is this?” Julian asked anxiously.
“Something your father wanted me to find.”
Nathaniel looked at me.
“Martha, with your permission, let everyone listen to his words.”
My hands were shaking as I unfolded the page.
“My dear Martha, if you are reading this, I am no longer here to thank you. You have served my house with greater devotion than anyone who has borne my family name. You have stood by me when I was alone, sick, sad, and afraid. My son inherited my blood, but you have earned my trust. Julian measured love by the value it might someday have. You gave yours generously, expecting nothing in return. I leave you this estate not out of anger, but out of gratitude. Never allow anyone to tell you that you do not belong in this house. You have proven it long ago.”
