Nathaniel nodded once, a solemn vow rather than a gesture.

"But if he contacts you again, promise you''ll tell me anything at all. No secrets," he said, the plea wrapped in quiet steel.

"All right." Her answer was immediate, unburdened. She lowered his hand from her face, fingers sliding down until their palms fit together. "Let''s go home."

Their fingers threaded, and a calm he had never known seeped into Nathaniel''s bones.

The world felt newly fragile; he feared her slipping away, feared someone stealing her as easily as a gust snatches a loose leaf.

"Ceci, you do love me, don''t you?" he asked suddenly while they walked.

She stopped, eyebrows raised in amused disbelief. "We''re practically an old married couple, and we have four children. Talking about ''love'' now is downright childish."

Nathaniel answered her smile with a firmer squeeze, as if the warmth of her hand could seal every unspoken promise.

"So, tell me do you love me?" His voice came out low and steady, but the intensity in his eyes pinned Cecilia in ce like a beam of molten light.

His fingers unwittingly tightened around her hand, sharp enough to sting. She parted her lips, ready to whisper the answer he craved, when Elliot came barreling toward them.

"Mommy, where did you two disappear to?" he puffed, cheeks pink from the sprint.

Cecilia crouched until her gaze met her son''s. "We went to look for Ms. Talbot a minute ago. What''s wrong, sweetheart?"

"Ms. Seiler just arrived," Elliot announced.

Meredith Seiler?

Startled, Cecilia let Nathaniel''s hand fall, sped Elliot''s small fingers instead, and together they entered the living room.

"Ceci." Meredith rose from the couch the instant they appeared, grief and concern mingling on her face.

"I''m so sorry for your loss." The words hung in the air like a soft, respectful veil. Cecilia managed a small nod, though fresh pain rippled beneath herposed exterior.

Lately the sight of any familiar face filled her with dread. Well-intentioned condolences always forced her to revisit the moment her mother slipped away, a wound that had yet to scab over.

"Please, sit." Then she asked the housekeeper to bring coffee, her tone polite, almost too calm.

"Meredith, what brings you here in the middle of a workday?" She steered the conversation into safer waters.

"First, I wanted to check on you," Meredith said, folding her hands in herp. "Second, I''m here about Dahlia."

"Did something happen to her?" Concern raced through Cecilia''s eyes.

"Nothing serious. She''s finally healthy," Meredith assured her. "I''ve moved her into my home, but the residency papers and guardianship are still unresolved." A shadow of worry tempered her smile,  s

Cecilia could see it inly-Meredith''s desire to adopt the girl had be bone- deep.

"I''m sorry I couldn''t helpst time," Cecilia murmured, remorse coloring each syble.

She had spoken to Nichs about Dahlia weeks ago. He had dismissed the idea without a second thought.

"Ceci, we''re friends-no apologies. Meredith exhaled. "But I do need a favor now. Jamieson Group''s legal team is legendary Put me in touch m ready to challenge Nichs in court. Even if I lose, I have to try."  s

Time spent with Dahlia had entwined their hearts; separation was no longer an option she could bear.

"Consider it done." Cecilia pulled out her phone and forwarded the chief legal advisor''s number without hesitation.

She then rang the legal department herself, issuing quiet but firm instructions to prepare for Meredith''s call.

"Thank you—truly," Meredith said, eyes shining with gratitude.

"It''s nothing," Cecilia replied, meaning every word.

Meredith lingered a while longer, sipping coffee and trading soft conversation before excusing herself and leaving.

Once the door closed behind their guest, Cecilia turned to Nathaniel and ryed every detail about Dahlia''s predicament.

"Dahlia isn''t even Nichs'' biological daughter," she whispered, half to herself. "Why won''t he let the child find a home where she''s truly wanted?"

Nathaniel studied her with quiet scrutiny, noting how every topic she touched eventually bent back to

Dahlia you''re this invested in the

child''s future? Tell me, Cecilia, do you truly want Meredith to adopt Dahlia?"  s

"Absolutely," Cecilia replied without hesitation, voice low yet firm. "Meredith strikes me as someone who would cherish her, not just care for her. Dahlia deserves

nothing less."fn2e38 This text is hosted at Find~Novel/fn2e38

Nathaniel inclined his head, decisiveness slicing through the air. "Then consider it done. I''ll handle the paperwork and every obstacle thates with it."