Margaret spoke up, voice shaking. “Nora… I owe you an apology. A real one. I was cruel. I was classist. I put my son’s career above your dignity. I’m sorry.”
Nora stared at her, surprised.
“Sorry doesn’t fix anything,” she said finally.
“I know. But it’s a start.” Margaret’s voice broke. “Please let us help. Not because we deserve a second chance. Because these babies deserve warmth. Food. Safety.”
Nora looked down at Noah, sleeping against her shoulder. Her expression crumbled.
“I’m so tired,” she whispered.
“I know,” Margaret said gently.
A black car pulled up to the curb. Adrian’s driver stepped out.
“Where to, Mr. Hayes?”
Adrian looked at Nora. “Hospital first. Then my place. It has three guest rooms.”
“I’m not staying with you,” Nora said.
“Then a hotel. Your choice. But somewhere warm. Tonight.”
Nora’s resistance wavered. She looked at the babies, then at the bench that had been their bed.
“Fine,” she said quietly. “One night. Then we talk.”
“One night,” Adrian agreed.