Chapter 1 - Because She Was Never Derek’s Daughter
“Neither of you gets to turn her into a claim!”
Emma Carter's voice shook through the bright maternity hallway.
Her newborn daughter slept inside the bassinet behind her.
The unsigned birth certificate lay on the counter.
Across from Emma stood Dante Salvatore, a man whose calmness frightened people more than shouting ever could.
Behind him stood Derek.
Emma's ex-husband.
The man who had disappeared during her pregnancy and returned only when money became involved.
Dante's hand stopped above the certificate.
“Your ex's debt has already put your daughter at risk.”
Emma stared at Derek.
“Derek... what did you do?”
Derek panicked.
“Don't listen to him.”
Then he stepped forward and struck Dante across the face.
Emma gasped.
Dante slowly turned his head back.
A thin line of blood appeared at the corner of his mouth.
“You just guaranteed your own destruction.”
He ignored Derek completely.
Instead, Dante placed a sealed black envelope beside the birth certificate.
“Sophia Grace Carter is already protected.”
Emma's fingers trembled as she opened it.
Inside was a DNA report.
99.9% PATERNAL MATCH.
The father's name was unmistakable.
DANTE SALVATORE.
Emma looked up.
Dante removed a heavy signet ring from his pocket and placed it in her hand.
His voice dropped.
“Because she isn't Derek's daughter... she's mine.”
Emma couldn't breathe.
Three years ago, she had loved Dante.
Three years ago, she had been told he wanted nothing to do with her.
Three years ago, Derek had appeared when she was at her lowest.
But one question destroyed everything she thought she knew.
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If Dante was Sophia's father...
Why had someone spent three years making sure he never found out?
