Chapter 74

Laying sprawled on the wide expanse of his bed was Adrian, one arm tucked beneath his head, the other holding his phone above his face. The screen glowed faintly in the dimness of the room, and there she was— Hazel. His daughter’s bright smile filled the frame, her hair pulled into two neat braids that bounced whenever she tilted her head.

“Daddy!” she squealed, waving at the camera as though he wasn’t already looking right at her.

Adrian’s lips curved faintly, the first real smile he had managed all day.

“Hey, pumpkin. How is my girl?”

“I’m fine! Guess what?” Hazel leaned close to the screen, her eyes twinkling.

Adrian chuckled softly.

“Hmm… you finally beat your friend Sophie in that spelling competition?”

Hazel gasped, covering her mouth in mock drama.

“Daddy! How did you know?”

“Because I know my daughter,” Adrian said, his voice warm with pride. “Sharp as a tack.”

Hazel giggled, but then her eyes narrowed a little. She