I stared at the empty space where the car had been, then walked into a different doctor's office.
"Miss James," the oncologist said, voice heavy. "The tumor has grown too large. Inoperable. If you'd come two weeks ago, maybe... but now..."
He sighed, removing his glasses. "It's a matter of days. You should say your goodbyes."
I sat in silence for a long time, numbness spreading through my limbs. Finally, I nodded.
"After I die, cremate me immediately," I said, voice steady. "Send my ashes to the James Estate. Deliver them personally to Jonathan James."
I left the hospital with the last of my money. Just as I stepped onto the sidewalk, my phone buzzed.
A message from Valerie.
Come to the estate. There's something you need to see.
I hailed a taxi to the most exclusive villa district in the city.
For five years, I believed our family home had been seized by the court, auctioned off to pay debts. But as I stood before the carved iron gates, the mansion blazed with light—more lively and opulent than I'd ever seen it.
Guests swarmed the lawn, a sea of designer gowns and tailored suits. Luxury dazzled at every turn.