I approached his bed and laid my hand beside his.
“I promised to take you to the aquarium next Saturday,” I whispered.
My voice broke.
“You still have to show Daddy which sharks are the scary ones.”
David stood at my shoulder.
“He always says they’re all scary until he sees the tiny ones.”
I gave a broken laugh.
“Then he says the tiny ones need a hug.”
We remained beside Leo for almost an hour.
My phone kept vibrating with messages from relatives demanding explanations for my absence.
One aunt accused me of humiliating Chloe.
Another warned that my mother was furious.
A cousin suggested I apologize before Eleanor cut me out of her will.
Not one of them asked whether Leo could breathe.
Eventually, I switched the phone to silent.
David contacted his legal adviser through the satellite phone and spoke quietly near the doorway.
I heard him request verified documents, an independent review, and restrictions against any unauthorized use of Clara’s name.
