Michael stared at her.
“I hired investigators,” he said. “I searched everywhere. I never stopped.”
She blinked in shock.
“You… looked for me?”
“Of course.”
Silence hung between them.
Then one of the girls spoke in a small voice.
“Mom… I’m hungry.”
The words hit harder than anything else.
Michael stood up slowly, decision settling into him like gravity.
“This ends today,” he said firmly.
Sarah stiffened. “Michael, you don’t have to—”
“They’re my daughters,” he said. “I’ve already lost nine years. I’m not losing another day.”
He knelt carefully in front of the girls.
“What are your names?” he asked gently.
Sarah swallowed.
“This is Madison,” she said, touching the one with slightly wavy hair. “And this is Harper.”
Michael repeated the names silently. Madison. Harper.
“Hi, Madison. Hi, Harper. I’m Michael.”
Madison tilted her head.
“Are you… rich?” she asked bluntly.
He let out a soft, sad laugh.
“I’m someone who showed up late.”
Sarah looked at him, still afraid.
“I’m scared to believe you,” she admitted. “What if you change your mind? What if you give them a home and then take it away?”
Michael extended his hand.
“I won’t disappear,” he said. “First, we eat. Then we talk.”