She’s With Me — Single Dad Spoke Calmly, The Billionaire Heiress Stood Frozen at the Table
Chapter 6
That night, Daniel packed a bag.
Emma found him standing beside Lily’s bed.
“You’re leaving.”
“Yes.”
“Again?”
Daniel turned.
“This time I’m taking her somewhere safe.”
“And you?”
“I’ll be fine.”
Emma walked toward him.
“No.”
Daniel almost smiled.
“No?”
“No.”
She pointed toward the sleeping child.
“You told me you’re trying to protect her.”
“I am.”
“Then stop teaching her that every person she loves eventually disappears.”
Daniel’s face changed.
Emma lowered her voice.
“You don’t get to decide alone what everyone else is willing to risk.”
He looked at her for a long moment.
“That’s exactly what Victoria used to say.”
Emma nodded.
“Then perhaps Victoria was right about one thing.”
Daniel laughed quietly.
It was the first real laugh he had managed all night.
But the sound ended when his phone rang.
An unfamiliar voice spoke.
“Mr. Mercer?”
“Yes.”
“Your daughter is no longer in her room.”
Daniel turned.
The bed was empty.
The window was open.
Emma screamed.
On the pillow lay a single white envelope.
Inside was a photograph.
Lily sat in the back of a black car.
Below it were six words.
Bring the Ashford files. Come alone.
