The man whose leg she held was Lucas Reed, a name synonymous with towering construction projects, televised charity galas, and business headlines that referred to him as one of the most powerful developers on the East Coast. His dark suit was immaculate, his posture rigid with authority, and the understated watch on his wrist gleamed beneath the harsh white lights of the hospital ceiling.
He had not expected this. Annoyance flickered across his face as he looked down, instinctively trying to step back, but the girl clung tighter, her arms wrapped around him with surprising strength. A security guard rushed forward immediately.
“Hey, hey,” the guard said sharply, reaching for the child. “You cannot do that. Let go right now.”
“No,” the girl sobbed, pressing her cheek against Lucas’s leg as tears streamed down her dirt smudged face. “Please do not take me away. They said they will not help her unless we bring money.”
Her words sent a ripple through the room.