Chapter 2: The Woman Who Stole a Family
Within forty-eight hours, Edward's private investigators uncovered the truth.
The answer shocked everyone.
Emily had never disappeared willingly.
A nurse working at the hospital had secretly helped a criminal organization sell newborn identities.
When Emily discovered the scheme, she tried to report it.
Before she could testify, she and baby Lily were forced to flee.
For years, they moved from city to city.
Changing names.
Avoiding anyone who might find them.
Emily believed she was protecting her daughter.
But living in hiding destroyed her life.
The final revelation was even worse.
Edward's former business rival had financed the entire operation.
He wanted revenge against the Carter family.
Destroying Edward's daughter was the perfect weapon.
When the evidence reached the authorities, arrests followed immediately.
The criminal network collapsed.
The rival businessman was taken away in handcuffs.
The news spread across the country.
But none of it mattered to Edward as much as what happened next.
Lily was rushed to a hospital and received treatment.
Ryan never left her side.
Neither did Edward.
One evening, Lily finally opened her eyes.
The first face she saw was Edward's.
"Grandpa?" she whispered.
Edward froze.
Then smiled through tears.
"Yes, sweetheart."
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For the first time, Lily wrapped her tiny arms around him.
And Edward felt six years of pain begin to heal.
