“I know.”
She studied his face, almost irritated by his lack of argument.
“What do you want, Ethan?”
He answered quietly.
“A chance to become someone you can trust.”
“And if I never love you again?”
His eyes hurt, but his voice remained steady.
“Then I’ll still be Daniel’s father. And Noah’s. And Lily’s. And I’ll spend the rest of my life being grateful you survived.”
That answer broke through something no apology could.
Hannah looked away.
Then reached through the space between them.
And took his hand.
Only for a moment.
But Ethan understood.
It was not forgiveness.
Not yet.
It was a beginning.
PART 8 — THE BILLION-DOLLAR SURPRISE NO ONE SAW COMING
One year later, the Caldwell mansion no longer belonged to the Caldwells.
Hannah owned it.
She hated it.
So she sold it.
Every piece of marble.
Every antique chandelier.
