The golden light of late afternoon spilled through the wide windows of Adrien Marlo’s mansion as his car pulled into the driveway. A billionaire businessman admired for his discipline and success, Adrien was known for being meticulous in everything—except, perhaps, in love. That day, he had wrapped up a meeting early, thinking he might surprise his wife, Seline, and spend the evening with his little daughter, Clara.
Clara was six years old, with hair the color of sunlight and a smile that could melt any heart. Born with weak legs, she relied on crutches to walk, but she never complained. Adrien adored her—she was his entire reason for living after losing his first wife to illness. When he remarried Seline two years ago, he believed he had finally restored warmth to their home.