Sofia’s voice trembled. “He passed away last year,” she said. “A scaffolding collapsed at his job site. The investigation took months, and nothing came of it.”
The baby whimpered, her cry weak and strained. “She has not been eating well,” Sofia continued. “I was hoping she would improve by morning.”
Jonathan turned away briefly, his thoughts unraveling memories he had buried long ago. He remembered his own childhood, his mother stretching meals, pretending she was not hungry so he could eat.
He faced Sofia again. “Get your things,” he said.
She looked confused. “Sir?”
“All of you,” he clarified. “We are going to the hospital.”
They left together. Jonathan paid for every examination, every test, and every prescription without hesitation. He watched as the children ate warm food in the hospital cafeteria, their guarded expressions slowly easing into something resembling peace.
Later that evening, Jonathan drove them home and ensured that groceries were delivered before he left. The following morning, Sofia arrived at Piercewood Urban Developments, terrified that she would be dismissed.
Instead, Jonathan called her into his office.