Chapter 2: A Name That Should Not Exist
Marcus stood in that closet for a long moment, staring at the name on the paperwork.
Daniel Holt.
He didn't know anyone named Daniel Holt.
He went back downstairs.
Vanessa was standing in the kitchen doorway, arms crossed, watching him.
"Who is Daniel Holt?"
Her expression didn't change.
That was what frightened him most.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"His name is on legal paperwork.
For Zoe.
Signed three weeks ago."
Vanessa looked away.
"You weren't supposed to find that yet."
*Yet.*
Marcus set the envelope on the counter.
"You need to start talking.
Right now."
Elijah appeared in the hallway, holding Zoe's hand.
The little girl had no idea what was happening.
She was still clutching her stuffed bear.
Vanessa's eyes went to the children.
Something shifted in her face — not guilt.
Calculation.
"The kids shouldn't hear this," she said quietly.
"Then you should have thought about that before you hid a second safe in my house."
Vanessa was silent for a moment.
Then she said something that made Marcus's chest go cold.
"Daniel isn't a stranger, Marcus.
He's been part of this family longer than you have."
Marcus looked at Zoe.
Then back at Vanessa.
And he understood what she was telling him.
---
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What Marcus learned next about Daniel Holt — and about Zoe — is something no father should ever have to hear.
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