Chapter 8 - A NEW EMPIREOne year after Natalie's memorial, the grand opening gala of the Natalie Mercer Health & Renal Foundation was held in the glass-domed atrium of the Manhattan Science Center.
Over five hundred doctors, philanthropists, and community leaders gathered to celebrate the launch of free dialysis clinics across the state—funded entirely by the recovered assets of Derek's forfeited estate.
I stepped up to the podium, looking out over the shining crowd.
My voice was clear, strong, and unwavering as the microphone picked up my words.
"My sister Natalie believed that true strength isn't about never getting knocked down," I told the audience, smiling brightly as the flashbulbs popped around me. "It's about having the courage to stay in the fight until the truth finally wins."
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Applause erupted thunderously through the hall, a wave of warmth and support washing over the stage.
I looked up toward the glass ceiling where the stars twinkled against the night sky, knowing Natalie was watching, smiling right back down at me.
