Chapter 13 - A MOTHER'S PROMISE
Daisy saw Carmen through Sofia's front window and flew off the couch so fast her sock slipped on the tile.
“Mama!”
Carmen knelt despite the ache in her shoulder. Daisy collided with her, arms wrapped around her neck, and neither let go. Sofia turned into the kitchen, wiping her face on a dish towel.
“I saved you cake,” Daisy whispered.
Carmen pulled back just enough to look at her daughter. “You did?”
Daisy retrieved a flattened napkin from her backpack. Inside was a smudged bit of frosting and a strawberry, now beyond saving.
Carmen laughed through tears. “That's the best present anybody ever gave me.”
Damon stood near the doorway, feeling like an intruder in a reunion he had helped make possible only after his foundation had helped cause the separation. He started to leave.
“Mr. Cross?” Daisy called.
He turned.
“You can come to dinner. We're having noodles.”
Carmen watched him. “You can stay if you don't bring a photographer.”
“I wouldn't.”
“Good.”
They ate inexpensive pasta from chipped bowls. Daisy insisted her mother sit next to her. Nobody discussed court hearings until the child was asleep. Then Carmen took Damon's phone and showed him the video of Elisa at the gala.
“People online keep saying you saved my girl,” she said. “You were kind to her. That matters. But if you want to help, don't make her the face of your charity campaign.”
“I won't.”
“Fix the pantry. Fix the rent. Pay the workers. That's what help looks like.”
He nodded. “You're right.”
Carmen studied him, skeptical but listening. “And when your own board comes after you?”
“Then I hope somebody brings the same courage you did.”
At that moment, Jessica called. Her voice was clipped.
“Damon, an anonymous donor has just offered to buy out the foundation's entire debt—on one condition.”
“What condition?”
May you like
“You resign and withdraw every complaint against Victor.”
