The color drained from Elliot's face the moment he heard her words. "Margaret, I—"
A mocking smile appeared on Margaret's face. "You can't fix this. Some things, once done, are irreversible. All those little hurts, my grandfather's death..."
She paused, holding his gaze steadily. "My life is good now. I have steady work, goals to pursue, and friends who genuinely care. That's what makes me feel secure—not your idea of a 'better life.' I'm grateful to Professor Sterling. He showed me I could still learn and build a future. He gave me hope and confidence, something you never offered."
Elliot stood trembling, his face pale as a sheet. "How can you be so heartless, Margaret? Because of my past mistakes, you'd throw away everything we had?"
"This isn't about being heartless. You destroyed w
