The apartment was modest but alive with drawings on the refrigerator and toys scattered across the floor. Victoria sat on the worn sofa and admitted, “I thought I was protecting the company, but I was really protecting my own insecurity.”
Owen crossed his arms and replied, “You did not just hurt my job, you made me feel like I meant nothing.” Tears filled her eyes as she answered, “You matter more than anyone I have met, and I offered you a leadership contract because you deserve it, not because I pity you.”
He placed the envelope she had brought onto the table and said, “I do not want charity.” She shook her head and insisted, “This is recognition of your work and your character, and I am asking for a chance to earn your trust.”
Before he could respond, Lily wandered into the room rubbing her eyes and whispered, “Dad, is that Miss Victoria?” She ran forward and hugged Victoria’s waist, and Victoria awkwardly returned the embrace as tears slipped down her face.
“I knew you would come back,” Lily said with simple certainty. Owen watched the scene and the anger in his eyes softened into cautious warmth.