He had always been the quiet one. The steady one. The kind of man who didn’t speak loudly but made sure things were taken care of.
Especially when it came to her.
A pair of headlights cut through the darkness, pulling her back to the present.
A black SUV rolled into the driveway and came to a smooth stop.
The driver’s door opened, and Daniel Hayes stepped out, dressed in a dark suit, a leather folder tucked neatly under his arm. His presence was calm, composed—the kind of calm that came from knowing exactly what you were doing.
He walked up the driveway with measured steps, his eyes briefly taking in the scene—the suitcases, Olivia, Rebecca standing just inside the doorway.
“Ms. Carter,” he greeted Olivia with a small nod.
“Thank you for coming,” she said softly.
Daniel turned to Rebecca, offering a polite but distant smile. “Mrs. Carter.”
Rebecca straightened slightly. “This really isn’t necessary,” she said. “It’s a family matter.”
Daniel didn’t argue.
Instead, he simply opened the leather folder and handed it to Olivia.
“These are copies,” he said. “The originals are secured.”
Olivia took the folder, her fingers trembling just slightly as she opened it.
Inside were legal documents.
Official. Stamped. Signed.
She scanned the first page, her eyes moving quickly—then slowing.
Her breath caught.
Daniel spoke, his voice steady and clear.
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