Ruby hurried back to her apartment after leaving the Dixon family estate. This ce, though modest, was the sanctuary she had hastily arranged upon returning from abroad.


    As she opened the door, a soft, tiny figure wobbled toward her.


    "Sweetheart, slow down! Careful not to trip!" Ruby’s voice softened as she knelt to scoop up her little girl, Belle. Deciding to keep Belle had been the best decision of her life-this angel was her most precious gift. From the moment Belle was born, she had been a remarkably gentle baby who rarely cried and was easy to soothe.


    "Mommy, hug, hug!" Belle’s chubby hands reached up eagerly. "Miss Dixon, wee back," Ca, the nanny, greeted warmly, stepping out of the kitchen.


    "I’m back, Ca. You can head home early today," Ruby replied, setting Belle down for a moment.Ca Hurst


    "Thank you, Miss Dixon. Have a good evening," Ca said before leaving.


    With Belle securely in herp, Ruby fed her daughter some baby food while her mind raced. The recording device she had secretly used at the Dixon family home was useless-Emily’s precautions had turned it into a garbled mess of interference.


    Emily was just as cautious as ever, even after all these years. Ruby clenched her jaw. Rescuing her mother was her priority, and for that, she’d have to y along with Emily’s demands-for now. "Ba... ba... ba..." Belle babbled, her tiny voice breaking Ruby’s dark thoughts.


    "What’s that, sweetie? Are you trying to say something?" Ruby asked, her tone suddenly light and cheerful.


    "Ba... ba..." Belle waved her little hands excitedly.


    Ruby checked Belle’s diaper, puzzled. "No stinky diaper. Hmm... Are you saying ’papa’?"


    Belleughed joyfully, pping her hands. "Ba-ba!"


    Ruby’s heart sank as realization hit. Her daughter, so small yet so perceptive, was asking for a father. A pang of guilt tightened in her chest.


    "Sweetheart," Ruby whispered, her voice barely steady, "you don’t need anyone else. I can protect you, always."