09

Outside the door, Elliot stood in the corridor, surrounded by a pile of toys, his silence speaking volumes. He had always believed his son to be obedient and docile, but reality had proven otherwise. Ever since returning from the airport, Daniel had changed. He became quieter, lost his appetite, and refused to sleep through the night. Elliot couldn't understand what was causing this sudden change in his son's behavior.

Frustrated and unable to vent his anger on a sick child, Elliot found himself blaming Avery. That woman, he thought bitterly. His subordinates had reported her falling into the river six years ago, but despite his efforts to search for her, he found no trace of her existence, dead or alive. He had long considered her dead and had even contemplated finding another woman to play the role of Daniel's mother. However, he couldn't bear the thought of his son being hurt, so he couldn't rush the process of finding a suitable stepmother.

His mind was fixed on a particular perso