An elderly man was driving his beloved granddaughter in his old pickup truck—but suddenly, their path was blocked by a gang of thugs! And when they caught a glimpse of something under her dress, they were utterly speechless

But Daisy was stubborn. If she set her mind to something, she’d see it through. Early the next day, before Nick woke, she kissed his forehead and whispered, “Be back soon, Grandpa.” She didn’t fully know why she needed to uncover Max’s past—just a gut feeling and her relentless curiosity. At the bus station, she headed to the city. Time flew, and soon she stood outside a rundown orphanage.

“Who’re you here for? Got an appointment?” a gruff security guard asked. “I’m here to see the director, Ellen Sanders. It’s urgent,” Daisy said confidently, thankful she’d looked up the name online. “Not sure about that. We don’t let just anyone in. Hang on, I’ll call her,” the guard said, clearly serious about his job. “Why didn’t you say so? She’s expecting you. Second floor, director’s office is on the left.”

Unbeknownst to Daisy, Alex had paved the way, knowing she wouldn’t back down. He’d called ahead, briefing Ellen on Daisy’s visit. “Hi, Daisy. Come in,” Ellen greeted warmly, her kind smile putting Daisy at ease. “I know why you’re here. Alex from the police called. Max Reed, right?” Ellen opened a thick, yellowed file. “It’s been almost 15 years since he left. We keep records, and his is still here. Tough kid. Very tough.”

She flipped through pages. “Abandoned at birth. Even newborns sense rejection, and Max felt it. By age two, he was already fighting, trying to dominate other kids. Staff, therapists, teachers—we all tried to guide him, but it didn’t take.” Daisy listened, riveted. “Did he stay here until he aged out?” “No,” Ellen said. “He was adopted three times. His looks drew people in—see his photo here. But each time, he was returned. It broke him.”

Ellen paused, then sighed. “Alex told me Max is back in prison. Second time. Following his mom’s path, I guess. She was in prison when he was born. Had a beautiful name, Lucy Bright. Gave him his dad’s last name and gave him up.” Daisy froze. Lucy Bright—her mother’s name. Could it be? Her heart screamed no. “Daisy, you okay? Need water?” Ellen asked. “No, I’m fine. Did Max wear a bat-shaped pendant?” “I don’t recall,” Ellen said. “Maybe the staff would know, but it’s been too long.”

Daisy left in a daze, barely noticing the bus ride home. If it was true, why had Nick hidden it? “Daisy, where were you? I woke up, and you were gone!” Nick called, rushing out as she arrived. “Grandpa, I left a note. Didn’t you see it?” He noticed her forced smile, sensing her turmoil. “I saw it, but why the city? You didn’t mention plans.” Daisy fixed her gaze on him. “Grandpa, why didn’t you tell me Mom was in prison?”

Nick’s knees buckled. He couldn’t hide his anguish, feeling caught like a thief. Daisy saw his reaction and knew the orphanage was right—Lucy Bright, the convict, was her mom. Her heart raced. Nick’s fragmented stories had always said her mom died before Daisy was two, and he avoided details. “Who told you?” he asked faintly. “The orphanage,” Daisy said, emotions spilling over. She laid out everything she’d learned…

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