Our conversations were edited; videos were spliced; statements were quoted out of context to change their intended meaning…the list goes on. Your little revenge plot could sabotage my company and erase the global footprint of the Peabody Corporation. You would desecrate everything your father and I and generations before us have built for hundreds of years. You chose the deck Helena. I just played the hand that was dealt me. What did you expect me to do?”

“I wouldn’t have let it get that far mother. I tried to stop it. I wasn’t trying to destroy everything you and father built. I was just trying to make my own footprint. I needed you to give me the chance to move out of your shadow to shine on my own.”

“I would have gladly given you that chance had you not taken matters into your own hands and set about this vindictive course of action. Don’t you think your father and I wanted the same thing when we took over the reins from our parents? We didn’t want to live in their shadow any more than you do and just like you we also wanted to leave our own footprint but it was placed side by side with theirs. We respected what they’d passed on to us. We didn’t feel the need to destroy the foundation they’d already established just so we could build anew. That is what I would have expected of you. That is what I expect of Bette Porter and my grandchildren and future generations; to take what we have and build on it to create your indelible mark.”

“You’ve never said any of this to me before.”

“Darling I’ve been saying it all along. You just didn’t hear me because you were too consumed with animosity towards me. You rivaled me and fought me at every turn. I was never your enemy Helena. I just didn’t know any other way to deal with you other than threats and ultimatums. As much as I feel justified in everything that I had to do yesterday my heart still aches for you. I thought with time we would get through this but upon hearing Mark’s confession my heart shattered. Your actions obliterated any hope that you and I could ever recover from this and make amends. Your part in this illustrated just how much you must truly hate me and everything I stand for. I don’t even pretend to understand how Bette Porter could elicit so much hatred in three women that you would go to such lengths to destroy her. What you’ve done is criminal and unconscionable.”

“Are you bringing charges against us?”

“No. I think we’ve all been through enough. Mark will get a plea bargain. Martha will handle Kelly and I don’t think we’ll be hearing from Jodi again.”

“What about me?”

“You I am leaving to your own devices. You wanted to create your own footprint well now is your chance. I won’t stand in your way. I won’t interfere in your life. I just caution you to be judicious in your life choices from now on Helena because whatever you do from this day forward will only reflect on you.”