I crossed my arms, fighting the urge to let anger take over. “Then explain, please.”

Lili nodded, her eyes swimming with emotion. “I got a call this morning,” she said. “Emma’s biological father… he found us. I’ve been keeping our location private to protect her, but somehow he found out. He threatened to take her away unless I met with him.”

My heart softened a fraction as I looked down at Emma, who was playing with a small toy, blissfully unaware of the adult issues swirling around her. “Why didn’t you tell me?” I asked gently.