Adrian recognized the melody instantly. He’d heard it drifting from the nursery—ignored it, back when he thought survival meant staying numb.
His son calmed instantly.
And in that moment, Adrian saw the truth he’d been avoiding for nearly two years.
Love had been there for his child.
He just hadn’t been.
“Charlotte,” Adrian said quietly, “this engagement is over.”
Gasps rippled through the room.
Eleanor stepped forward. “Adrian, think—”
“I am thinking,” he said firmly. “For the first time.”
Charlotte’s face hardened with fury. She grabbed her clutch and stormed out. Several guests followed.
Adrian turned back to Isabel. “I’m sorry,” he said hoarsely. “For my absence. For my silence. For making you sneak into my home just to see if my son was okay.”
Leo reached for Isabel.
This time, Adrian let him go.
She removed her gloves and held the child gently. Leo rested his head on her shoulder like he’d done it a thousand times before.
“I don’t know what comes next,” Adrian said. “But I know my son recognizes love when he sees it.”
Isabel whispered, “María just wanted him to know she never forgot him.”
“Then stay,” Adrian said. “Not as staff. As family—if you want.”