Chapter 8 - The Father's Vow
The wail of police sirens could be heard approaching the grand venue, but Dante tuned it all out. He knelt back down on the floor, right in front of Lily.
He didn't care about his pristine suit. He pulled his daughter into a desperate, crushing hug, burying his face in her small shoulder. He held her like he was afraid she would disappear.
"I'm so sorry, baby," Dante choked out, tears of profound guilt finally escaping his eyes. "I was so busy working. I was so blind. I promise you, on my life, no one will ever hurt you again. You are never leaving my side."
Lily wrapped her small arms around his neck, crying into his collar. "I love you, Daddy."
Dante kissed her forehead, then looked up at Claire. The young maid was still standing there, wiping away her own tears, expecting to be fired for causing such a massive disruption.
Instead, Dante stood up and offered her his hand.
Claire hesitantly took it. Dante looked at her with immense, overwhelming gratitude.
"You risked your job, your safety, and your reputation to protect my daughter," Dante said, his voice thick with emotion. "When the woman who was supposed to be her mother tortured her, you were the one who stood in front of her."
Claire sniffled, looking down. "She's a sweet little girl, sir. I couldn't let her carry that tray. It wasn't right."
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Dante reached out and gently unclipped the cheap plastic name tag from Claire’s maid uniform. He dropped it onto the floor next to Victoria's discarded diamonds.
👉 What incredible reward will Dante offer the maid who saved his child?
