What's happening? Hargrove's smile had vanished. Those votes were committed to me. They were committed to Hayes Enterprises, Bradford said calmly. They chose the company's future over your money.
When the final vote was counted, Daniel had won by 11 points. Hargrove stood so fast his chair toppled backward. "This isn't over, Carter. I'll file lawsuits. I'll claim fraud.
I'll You'll leave this building and never come back." Daniel stood and faced him. Victoria kept files on you, Hargrove. Detailed files. The SEC would be very interested in how you finance this takeover attempt. Hargrove's face went white.
You're bluffing. Try me. For a long moment, the two men stared at each other. Then Hargrove turned and walked out without another word. The boardroom erupted in applause.
Bradford shook Daniel's hand. Board members who had doubted him 6 months ago now clapped him on the back and called him a hell of a fighter. But Daniel felt only exhaustion. He'd won this battle. But the war was far from over.
That night, Daniel tucked Lily into bed and sat on the edge of her mattress, watching her arrange her stuffed animals in the precise order she insisted upon every night. Daddy. Yeah, baby. Something happened today, didn't it? You look different.
Daniel smiled. His daughter was too perceptive for her own good. Something good happened. I'll tell you about it when you're older. You always say that because it's always true.
Lily considered this, then nodded, apparently satisfied. She lay back against her pillows and looked up at him with Victoria's eyes. Daddy, do you think Miss Victoria is happy in heaven? Daniel's throat tightened. I think so, baby.
I hope so. I think she's happy because she knows we're okay. Lily reached up and touched his face. And because she knows you're taking care of her company, she always said you were really smart. She did?
Yeah. One time when you weren't there, she told me that you were the best person she knew. She said you made her believe in good things again. Daniel couldn't speak. He could barely breathe.
I miss her, Lily whispered. I know she wasn't my mommy or anything, but I miss her. Daniel pulled his daughter into his arms and held her tight. She was your mommy, Lily. In a way, she was always your mommy.
What do you mean? Daniel pulled back and looked into his daughter's face. Victoria's face, Rebecca's face, a blend of genetics and love and impossible coincidence. I'll tell you when you're older. Promise.
Promise. He kissed her forehead, turned off the light, and walked to the door. "Daddy, yeah, I love you. I love you, too, baby girl, more than anything in the world." He closed the door and stood in the hallway, Victoria's journal pressed against his chest. "Someday he would tell Lily everything.