Chapter 3

After Sarah received the screenshot of the list, she immediately sent Daniel a string of voice messages.

If Daniel had bothered to tap on them, he would’ve heard her talk about the home invasion murder. He would’ve heard the details of how Emma was tortured for twelve hours. He would’ve heard the truth about that twenty-year-old girl bleeding out on the floor.

But Daniel didn’t listen.

When it came to anything related to me, he never had patience.

Half an hour passed.

Still no response from me.

Daniel immediately called the hospital.

“This is Daniel Cross. Stop all medical payments for Lucas Hayes immediately. Discharge him from the ICU.”

There was a pause on the other end. Papers shuffled.

“Are you referring to Mr. Lucas Hayes?”

“Yes.”

“Mr. Lucas Hayes passed away in a traffic accident a month ago.”

Daniel’s breath stalled. His eyes flew open.

Then he dismissed it just as quickly.

“Did Emma put you up to this? Since when does a hospital invent car accidents? At least make the lie believable.”

“Stop his payments. I’m not repeating myself.”

The line went dead.

The staff member stared at the file, confused, muttering under his breath.

“He really was hit by a car… on his way to the FBI headquarters… the same day as your award ceremony…”

Daniel didn’t hear any of it.

Because he was already busy planning Chloe’s birthday party.

Daniel had once promised Chloe’s father he would love her like his own daughter.

And Chloe’s birthday wish this year was simple—

She wanted Daniel to spend the entire day with only her.

Daniel reached out and gently stroked her hair, his eyes soft.

“Chloe, I’m going to make this birthday unforgettable. The entire FBI will be there. Everyone will know you’re the daughter I’m most proud of.”

Chloe leaned against his shoulder, her voice sweet.

“Dad, you’re so good to me. But… what if Emma comes back?”

Daniel’s expression darkened slightly.

“She won’t. And even if she does, she should know you’re the one I’m proud of.”

Chloe lowered her head. The corner of her lips lifted.

I froze when I heard that.

I had never imagined Daniel would reject me so cleanly.

So what was I to him?

The daughter who embarrassed him?

Or the failure who didn’t even deserve to come home?

His fatherly love was too expensive.

I was never worth the price.

Daniel noticed Chloe’s satisfied look and was about to say more when his phone vibrated again.

“As the first applicant for Parent-Child Emotional Settlement, your case will undergo public review. Confirm continuation?”

Daniel didn’t hesitate.

He tapped confirm.

In his mind, the one who owed more had to be me.

I floated there, bitterness filling my chest, powerless to stop anything.

Even in death, I would be dragged into public judgment.

Branded ungrateful.

It was true—I didn’t have a glamorous career. I was just a librarian. In his eyes, a failure.

But a few minutes later, I saw Sarah send Daniel another message.

Another list.

Every night I woke up to check on his heart condition.

The BAU internship I gave up.

Thirty-seven anonymous case analyses.

Every “take your meds.”

Every “be careful out there.”

Each one assigned a clear emotional value.

I stared.

Weren’t those things… supposed to be taken for granted?

Daniel tried to scroll further.

Chloe gently grabbed his hand.

“Dad, forget that. We haven’t finished planning the party.”

Daniel glanced at the phone.

Then put it down.

He wrapped an arm around Chloe and continued discussing the details.

I stood there, watching.

Tears slipped from my eyes.

Daniel.

Now I understand.

I was never worth a second look.