“What is that noise?” Jonathan asked quietly. His voice was not loud, but it carried authority that made the air feel heavy. He approached Emily step by measured step.
The supervisor rushed forward, promising to terminate her immediately. But Jonathan lifted one hand, and the man fell silent. His gaze remained fixed on Emily and the crying child.
“Give her to me,” Jonathan said.
Emily blinked in disbelief. Why would a man who controlled half the city want to hold her baby?
With shaking arms, she placed Lily into his hands. The staff braced for louder screams.
Instead, the impossible happened.
The moment Jonathan cradled the baby, Lily’s cries faded into a soft sigh. She nestled into the fabric of his tailored wool coat as if she had always belonged there.
Silence settled over the hallway.
Jonathan stood motionless, staring down at the sleeping infant. Then his eyes caught something around her neck—a small, tarnished silver medal hanging from a string.
His breath faltered.
Slowly, he touched the worn metal and turned it over. The initials “E.M.” were engraved neatly on the back.
Color drained from his face.