In the secure conference room at Knight Industries, Charles sits stunned as we present the evidence we've gathered—immigration records showing my flight to Singapore, medical records of Leo's birth, financial trails showing how I built Ascendant Group, and most damning of all, recent surveillance photos showing Cassandra near Leo's school and the threatening text she sent afterward.

"This is... comprehensive," he says finally, his voice rough with emotion. "And damning. But do we have anything concrete linking Diana to your mother's death? Or Cassandra to the drugging incident five years ago? Anything that would stand up in court?"


"Not yet," I admit. "But Cassandra is growing desperate. Desperate people make mistakes."

"We need to provoke those mistakes," Ethan suggests. "Force them to overplay their hand."

Charles nods thoughtfully. "Tomorrow's board meeting provides the perfect opportunity. They're expecting to push through this Pierce Industries partnership while I'm supposedly unavailable. My unexpected appearance will already throw them off balance."


"And if I attend as well," I add, "representing Ascendant Group's interests..."

"Cassandra will be caught completely off guard," Charles concludes. "But we need more than just surprise. We need to corner her into admitting something incriminating."


Ethan leans forward, his strategic mind fully engaged. "What if we present evidence suggesting we know more than we actually do? Create the impression that we've discovered proof of their earlier crimes, and watch how they react?"

"A bluff," Charles considers. "Risky, but potentially effective given Cassandra's tendency to lash out when cornered."

"Not entirely a bluff," I correct. "We do have evidence—perhaps not enough for criminal charges yet, but enough to raise serious questions about both the drugging incident and Mother's death. Combined with your own investigation findings..."

"It could be enough to provoke a revealing reaction," Charles agrees. "Especially if they believe their Pierce Industries deal is about to collapse."

As we continue planning our strategy for tomorrow's confrontation, I notice a subtle shift in the dynamic between Ethan and my father—from mutual wariness to growing respect as they recognize in each other the same protective instinct toward Leo and me, the same strategic intelligence, the same determination to see justice done.

By the time we finalize our plan, it's late afternoon—time to pick up Leo from school. Charles insists on coming with us, eager to properly meet his grandson now that he knows the truth of our relationship.

"He doesn't know who I really am yet," I warn my father as we drive to the school. "Or who you are to him. We need to be careful about how much we reveal until the situation with Cassandra and Diana is resolved."

Charles nods his understanding, though I can see the eagerness in his eyes—the natural desire of a grandfather to connect with his only grandchild. "I'll follow your lead," he promises. "For now, I can simply be a business associate."

When Leo emerges from school, surrounded by discreet security personnel, his face lights up at the sight of both Ethan and me waiting for him. "Mommy! Daddy!" he calls, racing toward us with the boundless energy of childhood.

I kneel to receive his enthusiastic hug, breathing in his familiar scent, reassuring myself that he's safe and unharmed despite Cassandra's threats. "How was school, sweetheart?"

"Good! We learned about volcanoes and how they explode!" Leo demonstrates with expansive hand gestures. "BOOM!"

"Very impressive," Ethan laughs, ruffling Leo's hair. "Leo, there's someone we'd like you to meet. This is Mr. Morgan, an important business associate of ours."

Leo turns his attention to Charles, studying him with the direct curiosity of childhood. "Hello," he says politely, extending his hand as we've taught him to do with adults. "I'm Leo Morgan-Knight."

Charles kneels to Leo's level, taking the small hand in his with visible emotion. "It's very nice to meet you, Leo. I've heard wonderful things about you."

"Do you like dinosaurs?" Leo asks, applying his standard test of character.

"I do," Charles replies seriously. "Though I must admit, my knowledge is somewhat limited. Perhaps you could teach me about them sometime?"

Leo nods enthusiastically. "I know ALL about dinosaurs. Especially T-Rex. He's the king!"

"Then I would be learning from an expert," Charles says, his voice slightly unsteady as he looks into the face of the grandson he never knew existed until today.

The moment is poignant—a connection forming across generations despite the deception that kept them apart. Whatever happens tomorrow at the board meeting, this simple interaction between grandfather and grandson represents something precious reclaimed from all that was stolen five years ago.

As we head home together—an unlikely family unit formed through extraordinary circumstances—I find myself watching Ethan and my father, these two powerful men now united in their determination to protect Leo and me. Their shared purpose has created an unexpected alliance, bridging the gap between the Knight and Morgan dynasties in a way no business merger ever could.

Back at the penthouse, Charles reluctantly prepares to leave, aware that his presence raises questions we're not yet ready to answer for Leo. "I'll see you tomorrow at the board meeting," he says, his voice low as we stand by the elevator. "Nine AM sharp."

"We'll be ready," I assure him.

He hesitates, then pulls me into an unexpected embrace—the first physical contact between us since my return. "I failed you," he whispers, his voice rough with emotion. "I should have questioned, should have investigated, should have believed in you. I'm so sorry, Olivia."

The apology—sincere and unqualified—breaks something loose inside me, a knot of resentment I've carried for five years. "We have a second chance now," I reply, returning his embrace. "That's what matters."

After Charles leaves, I find Ethan in the living room, watching Leo arrange his dinosaur figures in some complex battle formation on the coffee table. He looks up as I enter, his expression questioning.

"He's gone?" Ethan asks quietly.

I nod, sinking onto the sofa beside him. "It's been... an intense day."

"That's an understatement," Ethan agrees with a small smile. "How are you holding up?"

The genuine concern in his voice touches me deeply. Despite everything—my deception, the complications of our relationship—Ethan still cares about my emotional wellbeing.

"I'm processing," I admit. "Seeing my father again, having him know who I really am... it's overwhelming. But also relieving, in a way I didn't expect."

"The truth has that effect sometimes," Ethan observes. "Even when it's difficult, there's freedom in no longer having to maintain the deception."

His words carry a double meaning—referring not just to my revelation to Charles but to my confession to him as well. The subtle reminder of our own unresolved situation hangs between us.

"Ethan," I begin hesitantly. "About us—"

"Not now," he interrupts gently. "We have more urgent priorities. Tomorrow's confrontation with Cassandra and Diana, Leo's safety... let's focus on those first. We'll have time to figure out our personal situation afterward."

He's right, of course. The strategic necessities must take precedence over emotional complications. Yet I can't help feeling that something has shifted between us today—a tentative rebuilding of trust as we work together against a common enemy, protecting our son and seeking justice for past wrongs.

"Okay," I agree. "But afterward... we will talk?"

Ethan's eyes meet mine, serious but not cold. "We will. I promise."

It's not a resolution, not forgiveness, but it's something—an acknowledgment that whatever happens tomorrow, our story isn't finished yet. That despite everything, there might still be a path forward for us as more than just co-parents and business allies.

As we turn our attention to Leo and his dinosaur battle, I find myself hoping that tomorrow's confrontation will bring not just justice for the past but clarity for the future—a future that might still include Ethan as more than just my contract husband.

But first, we have a board meeting to attend. And Cassandra Morgan to defeat, once and for all.