“I’m not the discarded daughter anymore,” I said. “I’m the one who’s going to build something that lasts.”

Skylar stormed out of the cabin, vowing to sue me for everything I had. My mother stayed behind a moment and looked at me with a new expression.

“I didn’t realize how much he trusted you,” she whispered. “I’m sorry, Riley.”

“I know you are, Mom,” I said softly. “But sorry doesn’t change the fact that you stayed silent.”

She left a few minutes later, and the cabin was finally quiet again. I sat at the table and looked at the photo of my father.

I’d won the battle, but more importantly, I’d found my own worth. I spent the next year building the foundation and working with Hank to protect the land.