“I won’t,” Richard said, surprising even himself with the certainty in his voice.
What followed felt unreal.
In the middle of a storm, on a forgotten street, a billionaire and his driver became something else entirely—guiding, encouraging, holding steady as Emily cried out in pain. Minutes stretched endlessly until finally—
A cry pierced the darkness.
A newborn.
Alive.
Richard let out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding. Without hesitation, he wrapped the baby in his own coat, shielding her from the cold, then helped lift Emily into the SUV.
“Drive,” he ordered.
The vehicle sped through the rain toward the most exclusive private hospital in the city. Staff rushed to meet them as Richard demanded immediate care—no delays, no questions, no limits on cost.
For the first time in years, as he sat in the waiting area holding the trembling hand of the little girl, he felt something unfamiliar.
Warmth.
Human.
Real.
But that fragile moment didn’t last.
The glass doors burst open.
Victoria stormed in, her heels striking the floor like gunshots, her expression twisted with fury.
“Richard! What is this?” she snapped, her voice echoing through the hallway.