I stopped to help a woman who was dy//ing on the side of the road and lost my job because I arrived late, but when I returned to collect my things from my desk, my entire life was about to change.

Both girls were unharmed.

When I finally reached them, Lucy threw herself into my arms so forcefully I nearly stumbled.

Sophie attempted to behave like the older, more composed sister.

She managed it for only a few seconds before she began crying too.

I held them both.

And something inside me changed.

Throughout the day, I’d been reacting to events other people controlled.

Gavin had fired me.

Eleanor had entered my life.

Halston’s investigation had uncovered secrets I never knew existed.

Marcus had manipulated circumstances around me.

But threatening my daughters crossed a boundary I would not allow him to ignore.

Police established protection outside the house.

Sarah arrived shortly afterward, frightened and furious, ready to take Sophie and Lucy home with her.

For once, we had no argument.

We both wanted the girls somewhere safe.

I kissed them goodbye.

Before leaving, Sophie stopped beside the door.

“Dad?”