The millionaire took pity on the beautiful homeless girl and hired her as a caregiver for his disabled father…

At the clinic, many saw something was wrong with me, but no one cared, no one tried to help. Except you. Veronica blushed.

«I just remembered you because you were an unusual patient.» Then, when I saw the photo in your grandfather’s study, something clicked in memory. They descended to the living room, where Ethan and Constantine already awaited police and doctor.

The elder Sinclair wouldn’t release his granddaughter’s hand, as if fearing she’d disappear again if he loosened his grip for a moment. Soon Dr. Klein arrived. Examining Catherine, he diagnosed exhaustion, anemia, and effects of long-term sedative use, but assured with proper treatment and care, the girl would fully recover.

She needs rest, good nutrition, and gradual reduction of sedatives to avoid withdrawal, he explained to Sinclair. I’ll prescribe necessary meds and visit daily. Following the doctor came Lieutenant Colonel Sawyer, a burly man about 50 with keen eyes and a tired face.

Listening to Sinclair’s story and reviewing evidence copied from Catherine’s laptop, he frowned. Serious case. Kidnapping, large-scale fraud, faking death.

Enough for multiple sentences. But Grayson is influential with serious connections. Are you afraid of him? Sinclair asked directly.

Me? No, the lieutenant colonel smirked. I’m too old for fear and too close to retirement to worry about career. But I must warn you, this will be a tough case.

You’ll need good security, especially for your daughter. She’s the key witness. I’ve already arranged that, Sinclair agreed.

From today, the house is under round-the-clock guard. And we won’t let Catherine out anywhere soon. Good, Sawyer approved.

I’ll start the investigation immediately. Try to act as fast as possible before Grayson covers tracks. After the policeman left, relative calm finally settled in the house.

Catherine, exhausted by the day’s events, fell asleep in her room. Constantine, despite the late hour and his condition, refused to sleep, as if fearing to wake and find it all a dream. Veronica and Ethan remained alone in the living room.

Sinclair poured himself whiskey and offered Veronica, but she declined—too much adrenaline without alcohol. I still can’t believe this is real, he admitted, taking a sip. Just this morning, I was sure my daughter was dead, and now she’s sleeping upstairs in her room.

It’s like a miracle. Miracles happen sometimes, Veronica smiled softly. Especially if helped a bit.

Sinclair looked at her gratefully. You’re an incredible woman, Veronica. Brave, smart, determined.

Without you, I’d never have found Katie. You would have. Otherwise.

It would be unfair, she said confidently. He approached closer and took her hand. Anyway, I’m infinitely grateful to fate for bringing you to our home.

And not just because of Katie. He paused, choosing words. You know, when I first saw you in my study, so proud even in despair, I felt something.

Something I hadn’t felt in a very long time. Veronica blushed. Ethan, now’s not the time.

I know, he nodded. Not the time or place for confessions. Too much has happened, too much still to endure.

I just wanted you to know. You’ve become an important part of my life. And I hope it stays that way.

Veronica didn’t know what to say. Events of recent days had turned her life upside down. And she hadn’t yet processed all her feelings.

But one thing she knew for sure. This house and these people had become dear to her. And she didn’t want to leave them.

Let’s talk about this later, she said softly. When everything settles, when Catherine recovers, and Grayson and Markham are behind bars, then we’ll have time to sort our feelings. Sinclair nodded understandingly.

You’re right, as always. Main thing now is family safety and restoring justice. Everything else can wait.

The next morning, the Sinclair home had an atmosphere of cautious optimism. Catherine woke stronger, even managed to come down to breakfast herself, though with her father’s help. Constantine, despite the sleepless night, looked remarkably alert; joy from his granddaughter’s return gave him strength.

At breakfast, Ethan shared a call from Lieutenant Colonel Sawyer. Police already acting. They interviewed clinic staff, seized documents on Evelyn Porter’s stay.

Now searching for the forest cabin guards. If found and made to testify, we’ll have direct evidence against Grayson. And what about him? Veronica asked.

Not arrested yet, Sinclair frowned. I can testify, Veronica offered. I saw Grayson bring Catherine to the clinic, heard his talk with staff.

That’ll help, Ethan nodded. But Sawyer advises no one leave the house for now. Grayson is desperate, thus especially dangerous.

Catherine, who’d listened silently till then, suddenly said «I have something else that might help.» All turned to her. That day it all happened, I wasn’t just driving home from Austria.

I was returning from a meeting with a man who gave me info on Grayson’s and Markham’s shadow deals. His name is Stefan Meier. He’s a financial consultant who worked with the Austrian company through which company money was laundered.

And where is this Meier now? Sinclair perked up. Don’t know. Catherine shook her head.

But I have his business card left. It should be in my bag. If Grayson didn’t destroy it, of course.

«Your bag wasn’t found,» Ethan said grimly. «Presumably burned with the car.» «So no card,» Catherine sighed.

«But I remember his email. It was unusual. Maybe contact him that way?» «We’ll definitely try,» Sinclair nodded.

«This could be a key lead.» After breakfast, when Constantine and Catherine retired to rest, Ethan pulled Veronica aside. «I have a plan,» he said quietly.

«Risky, but potentially very effective. I need your help.» «I’m listening,» Veronica replied warily.

«This morning I already installed through my people a hidden camera and microphone in the office in Grayson’s office and will try to get them to confess what they did to Katie. They think the guards haven’t reached the city yet and haven’t alerted them to the prisoner’s escape. «I need to go, and you stay here with Katie and father,» Sinclair replied.

«Protect them if something goes wrong. There’ll be security in the house, but I’ll be calmer knowing someone I fully trust is with them.» A few hours later, when the promised security arrived—two sturdy men in civilian clothes but with clear military bearing—Sinclair left for Sawyer.

Veronica, Catherine, and Constantine stayed home, tensely awaiting news. To distract from anxious thoughts, Veronica suggested Catherine write an email to Stefan Meier. They composed the text long, trying to include enough info for Meier to understand who from, but not revealing too much in case someone else uses the email.

Time dragged agonizingly slow. Every sound, every rustle made them start and listen. Finally, almost three hours after Ethan’s departure, his phone rang.

«Yes?» Veronica answered tensely. «Ethan?» «Veronica, it worked.» Triumph sounded in Sinclair’s voice.

They slipped up. Everything recorded on camera and microphone. Sawyer is here, making the arrest.

«I’ll be home soon.» «Thank God,» Veronica exhaled. «We were so worried.»

«All good,» Sinclair assured. «Soon this nightmare will be behind us. Hug Katie and father for me.»

When Veronica told the news to Catherine and Constantine, immense relief showed on their faces. For the first time in ages, they could truly relax, knowing the main danger passed. An hour later, Ethan returned home, tired but triumphant.

He told how it happened. First, all went as usual. They talked about the contract.

Then Markham got nervous, and Grayson started asking what exactly I found. What discrepancies? He hinted I probably learned about shell companies and how they tried to bankrupt the company. Then Grayson exploded.

Started saying I’d regret if I try to hinder them. And then said the phrase that doomed him. «We won’t stop at removing him.

We handled his daughter easily.» He directly admitted kidnapping Katie. Veronica gasped.

Not quite, Sinclair shook his head. He spoke in hints, but clear enough to understand. Combined with other evidence, enough for arrest and charges.

Especially since Sawyer and his men heard everything through the microphone in the office. «And Markham?» Catherine asked. He tried to stop Grayson, object, but it was too late.

When police entered the office, Markham surrendered immediately, and Grayson tried to flee through the back exit. Didn’t work, of course. «So it’s over?» Catherine asked hopefully.

«Almost,» Sinclair nodded. They’ve been charged with kidnapping, fraud, attempted murder, and a dozen other articles. Trial will likely be long, but with existing evidence, outcome is foregone.

They’ll spend many years behind bars. That evening, a small celebration was held at the Sinclair home. Anna Paulson prepared a special dinner, collectible wine was opened, and for the first time in ages, the whole family gathered at one table, happy, reunited, looking to the future with hope.

Veronica, watching them, felt amazing warmth in her chest. These people, strangers to her a week ago, now became close. She helped them regain happiness, and they repaid with the same, giving her a new home and new family.

When dinner neared end, Ethan Sinclair stood and raised his glass. I want to make a toast, he announced. To the most amazing woman I’ve ever met…