Chapter 4 - The Unraveling
"Mr. Whitmore, please, there's no need to cause a scene over hired help," Henderson muttered nervously, sweat beading on his forehead. "Security can escort her out—"
"Quiet, Henderson," Ethan snapped, his gaze never leaving Rachel.
He turned his attention down to Lily and Grace. Kneeling down—awkwardly, stiffly, the way a man who lived in boardrooms knelt—Ethan raised his hands. His fingers were stiff, out of practice, but the intention was clear.
Are you okay? Ethan signed, his motions clumsy and hesitant.
Grace stared at his hands, then looked up at his face. She didn't sign back. She simply turned her head away, leaning against Lily’s shoulder.
The rejection was absolute. It hurt worse than any hostile corporate takeover Ethan had ever fought through. He realized, with a sickening jolt, that while he had provided his daughters with every material luxury money could buy, he had completely starved them of emotional presence. He had outsourced his fatherhood to tutors, drivers, and gadgets.
May you like
Rachel watched the interaction, her anger melting into a profound, aching pity. She slowly raised her hands and signed to the girls: Your father is trying.
Lily looked at Rachel, then back at Ethan. Slowly, cautiously, Lily signed: Trying isn't the same as staying.
