Chapter 4 - The Father's Shock
Sophie’s tears instantly stopped. Her eyes widened in pure, unadulterated joy as she clutched the worn red car to her chest. "Thank you, Santa!" she beamed.
Elena covered her mouth, fresh tears streaming down her face, entirely overwhelmed by the eight-year-old boy's incredible kindness. "Ethan, sweetie, you don't have to do that. That's your favorite toy."
"It's hers now," Ethan insisted quietly. He stood back up, satisfied that the little girl was finally smiling.
Dominic watched the entire exchange in stunned silence from the stairs. He felt a massive, crushing weight hit his chest. He spent his entire life teaching his son to be tough, to be ruthless, and to guard his assets. Yet, his eight-year-old boy possessed more empathy, generosity, and sheer humanity in his little finger than Dominic had shown in his entire adult life.
Dominic slowly walked down the rest of the marble stairs.
Elena immediately stood up, wiping her tears and stepping protectively in front of Sophie. She lowered her head submissively. "I'm sorry, Mr. Dominic. I know she isn't supposed to be in the main hall. I couldn't find a babysitter today. I'll take her to the staff quarters immediately."
May you like
Dominic didn't yell. He didn't order her away. He just stared at the worn red car in Sophie’s hands.
👉 What massive secret is Elena hiding about why she really couldn't afford a babysitter?
