Chapter 26

Zoe’s POV

My dad looked at me. His eyes were soft. “Sienna,” he said, his voice quiet, “your mom just needs to remember what’s real. What truly matters. She’s been through a lot. She’s vulnerable right now.” He took my hand. “That Daniel guy. He’s just a distraction. A young, rich thrill. Not something serious for her.”

I nodded. My stomach twisted. I believed him. Dad was hurting too. I saw it. He loved us. He wanted our family back together. “But she said no to you, Dad,” I whispered. My throat felt tight.

“Because she’s confused, sweetheart,” he insisted. He squeezed my hand gently. “This Daniel has her head spinning. He’s putting ideas in her head. Ideas that aren’t good for her. Or for us. He’s taking her away from our family. From you and your brother.” He looked at me, really looked at me. “She needs someone to show her the truth. Someone to remind her what she’s throwing away. Our family, Zoe. Our life together.”

“What can I do?” I asked. My vo