lipped out of the room, her heart heavy, to buy them breakfast from the 24-hou

r clicked shut, Za

sisters awake. "Rile

voice thick with sleep.

. He helped them into their shoes and jackets, then slun

l, impeccably dressed children looking strangely out of place in the gritty urban landscape. They b

seemed to pierce the clouds. The words HAYS GLOBAL ENTE

led his sisters toward the i

wide as the doorway. He knelt, his expression kind but firm. "Sorry, littl

uard straight in the eye. "We're he

shot up. "Your father

her voice sweet and ce

a stack of files. He glanced at the children and stopped dead. His eyes widened in recognition-he had spent half the night compiling

is breath. He strode over and waved th

hese kids,

fully. He gestured toward the private

is expression unrea

handle his schedule." He led them

em toward the CEO's office, his footsteps quick and nervo

ow, a frown of irritation on hi

sto

n, the air growing thick and heavy. He recognized them instantly from the report-Ali

laim to be Mr. Hays's children. They say their

he serious, defiant eyes, the girl clutching a teddy bear, the smallest one with her thumb

orward, his mind racing. He knelt, forcin

, his voice a low, soothing murmur. "Mr. Hays isn't y

Benedict's custom-tailored suit. "That suit c

. "It's a uniform. Part of

dad," Zane said. It

dict said.

tremble. "But we came all this way," Riley

ermined children who had crossed the city alone to find help for their mother.

ed around by people like Jairo." He held up his tablet, displaying Aliana's medical bills and a summary of

his throat. "Mr. Hays... already has someone he cares a

mpled. "So we d

her eyes, and made a decision that would change

f eyes snappe

said, his vo

protect your mother. I'll make sure no one ever hurts her again. I'll give you a home." He met Zane's gaze, man

Riley was staring at Benedict with wide, hopeful eyes. Mila was a

y whispered to Zane, loud

kind eyes,

Then, slowly, he nod

d forward and wrapped her small arms around Benedic

physical blow. He felt a crack in the icy facade he had maintain

n. "If you want the job, the

, he put on a show of concern, his brow furrowed as if in deep thought. "Okay," he said, h

light. "Then come on! You hav

and took it. "Alright." He stood up, giving Mark a look that was both

ssing the fleet of luxury sedans, and returned with the keys to a dente

a car that smelled faintly of lemon-scented cleaner and desperation. He buckled the three chi