Chapter 25 - ROBERT’S LAST YEARS
Robert left custody late in life under supervised medical release.
He moved into assisted living.
No board seat.
No trust role.
No family office.
He requested to see Lily.
She declined twice.
At thirty, she accepted one video call.
Robert looked frail.
“Hello, Lily.”
“Hi.”
She asked:
“Why did you hold me?”
No warm-up.
Robert looked down.
“Because I thought if Daniel got Grace’s drive, I would lose control of the company.”
“You did lose it.”
“Yes.”
“Was it worth it?”
“No.”
“Did you know Aunt Rebecca would hit me?”
“I knew she was angry. I did not know she would hit you before she did.”
“Why didn’t you let go after?”
Robert cried.
“Because I was still looking for the drive.”
Lily nodded.
“That’s what I needed to hear.”
No forgiveness.
No second call.
Robert died two years later.
His lawful estate paid restitution obligations first.
He left me the steel watch.
I declined it.
It was sold.
May you like
No ceremony.
No symbolism required beyond not wanting it.
