No one did.
That evening, his board suspended him pending investigation. Within a week, the foundation pulled funding. Within two, Vanessa’s firm was under audit. The divorce settlement was reopened, and the judge did not appreciate Daniel’s “creative accounting.”
When the paternity test confirmed what he already knew, Daniel requested shared custody.
Mara replied with six words: Submit to supervised visitation evaluation first.
He never completed the process.
Three months later, I stood in my office, sunlight spilling across polished floors. My daughter slept in a carrier against my chest while my team prepared to launch our new cybersecurity firm.
On the wall hung our first signed contract.
Daniel’s former biggest investor.
My phone buzzed from an unknown number.
Emily, please. I lost everything.
I deleted it.
My daughter stirred, then opened her eyes.
I kissed her forehead.
“No, sweetheart,” I whispered. “He lost what was never his.”
