Edward and Margaret Hayes don't do anything without expecting something in return. What could they possibly want from me? Access to Lily, the granddaughter they never knew they had. Rachel's voice was heavy with warning. They'll use you, Daniel, just like they used Victoria.
Then I'll use them right back. The meeting with Victoria's parents took place in a country club restaurant in Scottsdale. Daniel flew in alone, leaving Lily with Mrs. Patterson and strict instructions not to tell anyone where he was going. Edward Hayes was 82 years old, tall and thin, with silver hair and cold blue eyes. Margaret was 79, elegant in a way that reminded Daniel of Victoria, but with none of her warmth.
Mr. Carter. Edward shook Daniel's hand without smiling. We've heard a lot about you. I'm sure you have. They sat at a table overlooking the golf course.
A waiter brought water and menus, but no one looked at them. You're here about the company, Margaret said. It wasn't a question. I'm here about your granddaughter. Edward's expression flickered surprise, then something harder.
Rachel told you. Victoria told me before she died. The lie came easily. Daniel didn't owe these people the truth. Victoria had no right, Margaret began.
Victoria had every right. Lily is her daughter, her biological daughter, the child you forced her to give away 22 years ago. Edward's jaw tightened. We did what was best for everyone. You did what was best for yourselves, for your reputation, for your precious social standing.
Daniel leaned forward. Your daughter spent 15 years building an empire so she could find the child you made her abandon. She died before she could tell that child the truth. And now a man named Victor Hargrove is trying to steal everything Victoria built. We're aware of Mr. Hargrove's offer.
Edward said he contacted us last week. Daniel's stomach dropped. What did you tell him? We told him we were considering our options. Your options?
Daniel's voice rose. Your granddaughter's inheritance is at stake and you're considering your options. Lower your voice, Mr. Carter. Margaret's tone was ice. We didn't ask to be put in this position.
We didn't ask for our daughter to die or for some stranger to show up demanding our loyalty. I'm not demanding your loyalty. I'm asking you to do the right thing for once in your lives. Edward and Margaret exchanged a look. The kind of look couples develop after 50 years of marriage, saying everything without words.
What exactly are you proposing, Mr. Carter? Vote your shares with me. Block the takeover. Protect Lily's future. And in return, Daniel hesitated.
He knew what they wanted. Rachel had warned him. In return, I'll consider allowing you to meet Lily when she's ready on her terms. Consider. Margaret's laugh was brittle.
You want our shares, but you'll only consider letting us see our own granddaughter. Lily isn't your granddaughter. Not yet. You gave up that right when you forced Victoria to give her away. Daniel stood.