r daughter Chloe' s hand, the

ate school glittered, but a kn

band, was supp

phone, his voice strained. "VLH needs me. You and

face ha

, seeing the tears well in her daughter's

s the Chairwoman of the Board, the quiet power. David was a Senior Vice President,

r the entrance, Chl

on stage

ed. Her br

the main stage, unde

an award. "Distinguished Alumnus & Communit

man Ellie knew David had hired into

a young boy, Ethan, who

like a per

ident, "are the cornerstone of a successful life. Achieving that work-life balance is

lause w

. "Mommy, why is Daddy with

stomach tightened i

ened the fl

descend. She moved towards

a'

r Mr. Miller," Ellie

mic. All eyes turned. D

g clearly through the ballroom. "Congratulat

something – panic? – crossed his fac

a new son? And does yo

went through the c

her maiden name, Vance, professionally and kept a v

someone whis

ce scoffed. "Trying to get attention from

d on her chest, looking offe

ook a deliberate step, put his arm around Soph

crophone, his voice ring

at Ellie, then sweeping his gaze ove

ted in cheers for

e buzzed. A t

n' s fatherless. Stop causing a scene