She caught him, sobbing. He buried his face in her shoulder.
“You’re my heart, Mommy!” he cried. “You’re my heart!”
Cameras flashed. The moment was everywhere by nightfall.
Outside, reporters swarmed. Daniel faced them alone.
“I failed Lucia Morales,” he said. “I let my mother manipulate me. I betrayed someone who gave our family nothing but loyalty and love. I’m sorry.”
Lucia stood in the back, watching. Part of her wanted to walk away forever. But she saw the genuine regret in his face.
Eleanor’s trial was swift. Evidence was overwhelming. She was sentenced to three years house arrest and ordered to pay restitution to all her victims. Her social standing evaporated overnight.
Two months later, Daniel knocked on Lucia’s door.
“I’m not asking you to come back as a maid,” he said. “I’m asking you to help me build something.”
“What?”
“A foundation. For women who’ve been falsely accused. Women who can’t afford lawyers. Women crushed by powerful people.” He handed her a folder. “I want you to run it.”
Lucia opened the folder. Budget. Mission statement. Board members. Sophie’s name was already listed.
“Why me?” she asked.