Chapter 6 - The Broken Box
Hadley felt a physical ache in her chest. The billionaire wasn't sitting alone in the dark office because he was a workaholic. He was hiding from the grief that tore his family apart.
"I am so incredibly sorry," Hadley whispered. "I had no idea. I’ll pay for the repairs, I promise. You can take it out of my paychecks—"
"Hadley," Jude interrupted gently, looking directly into her eyes. "I saw you write that note. I saw you choose to take the blame, knowing it would cost you your job, just to protect your daughter."
He reached into his expensive wool coat and pulled out the small walnut music box.
Hadley gasped. He had brought it with him.
Jude pressed his thumb against the broken brass hinge. With a soft click, he snapped it perfectly back into place. He opened the lid, and the delicate, sweet melody of "Silent Night" filled the quiet hospital lobby.
"It wasn't broken," Jude said softly, a faint, genuine smile touching his lips. "The hinge has a safety release so children don't pinch their fingers. My sister used to drop it all the time."
Hadley let out a shaky breath, completely overwhelmed by the grace this man was showing her.
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"Come on," Jude said, closing the box and putting it back in his pocket. "Let's get you and Mae home. Darla won't be bothering you ever again."
👉 What brutal reality check is waiting for Darla back at the warehouse?
