The three women laughed awkwardly, their smiles brittle. The dinner ended early, leaving behind a cold emptiness that even the chandeliers couldn’t warm.
Later that night, Jonathan passed Ethan’s nursery. Through the cracked door, he saw Lily sitting cross-legged on the carpet, her uniform slightly wrinkled, playing peekaboo. Ethan’s laughter filled the room like music.
“Lily,” Jonathan said softly, stepping inside. “You’ve done something for him none of us could.”
She looked up, startled. “Oh, I’m just doing my job, sir.”
He shook his head. “No. You’ve given him what money can’t buy—peace.”
Lily’s eyes glistened. “All he wants is to be loved, Mr. Hale. That’s all any child wants.”
Ethan reached out again, his tiny hand brushing her cheek with pure affection.
That night, Jonathan cancelled every social engagement on his calendar. For the first time in years, he understood: riches could fill a mansion, but only love could make it a home.
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