There was no doubt anymore. This girl was his niece. The baby on her back was his blood. For years, Daniel had told himself his sister chose to leave, that she wanted nothing to do with him, that looking for her was pointless. Now, the truth stood in front of him, hungry, homeless, and shaking at his gate.
“Why didn’t she ever come to me?” Daniel whispered, more to himself than to Nora. She hesitated before answering. “She said you wouldn’t care. She said rich people don’t look back.” The words cut deeper than any insult Daniel had ever received.
After a long silence, Daniel opened the gate and stepped aside. “Come inside,” he said quietly. “Both of you. You’re safe here.” Nora’s eyes filled with tears. She hadn’t asked for kindness, only a chance to survive. Hope was something she had stopped expecting.
The mansion changed after that day. The empty halls filled with the sound of a baby crying, soft footsteps, and quiet conversations at the dinner table. Daniel arranged medical care for the baby and hired tutors for Nora, insisting she continue her education. When she tried to refuse, saying she only wanted to work, Daniel shook his head.