Chapter 1: The Question Nobody Expected
The hungry child everyone mocked... might actually be his daughter.
The thought hit Charles so hard he had to grip the piano to stay standing.
The ballroom remained silent.
Every guest watched.
The little girl looked frightened.
"What's your name?" Charles asked softly.
"Emily."
The name meant nothing.
And yet everything inside him trembled.
"Where is your mother?"
Emily lowered her eyes.
"She's sick."
A chill spread through Charles.
"How sick?"
The girl hesitated.
Then she whispered:
"The doctors say she doesn't have much time."
The room seemed to shrink.
Charles felt his heart pounding in his ears.
For eleven years he had searched for Anna.
Now, standing in front of him, might be the answer to every question he had carried for more than a decade.
"Take me to her."
Emily looked uncertain.
"You don't have to."
Charles knelt until they were eye level.
"Please."
For the first time, the billionaire's voice contained no authority.
May you like
Only hope.
TO BE CONTINUED...!
