Chapter 9
"I signed over all my personal trust shares to Lily’s independent education fund this morning," Daniel offered desperately, holding up a legal folder. "I’m cutting all ties with Vance Global, and I’m testifying against my mother in federal court."
Clara stared at the legal documents for a long moment, her expression remaining entirely neutral and unreadable. "You think buying your way out of guilt with stock certificates makes up for six years of torture, Daniel?" Clara asked quietly.
"No... I know it doesn't," Daniel choked out, his voice breaking as a tear slipped down his cheek. "I just want to prove that I can be a real father, even if I have to do it from a distance."
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"Prove it by staying away from us until our daughter is old enough to decide if she ever wants to know you," Clara instructed firmly. Before Daniel could respond, Clara closed the heavy wooden door in his face, sliding the deadbolt locked with a sharp, final click.
Daniel stood on the porch in the bright Texas sunlight, realizing that some mistakes were so monumental they could never be undone. He turned slowly away from the house, walking down the concrete pathway into a lonely and uncertain future.
