“Maybe that’s why God sent me and Max,” she said gently. “To make you smile again.”

Her words cut deeper than any sharp remark or accusation ever could.

That night, Daniel couldn’t sleep.

Something inside told him he needed to know who her mother was.

He called his assistant, voice low and urgent. Hours later, the information arrived.

Her mother’s name was Emma Harper.

She had once worked for Daniel’s company.

A single mother. Known for staying late, working overtime, picking up extra shifts whenever they were available. Everything changed the day the company initiated cost-cutting measures. Emma was laid off.

The termination letter carried one signature.

His.

Daniel felt the world tilt.