My husband left me to face labor alone because of a work pitch. A week later, he burst in demanding to see his child. I stared at him with ice in my veins and asked, "What baby?"

A year after the trial, Marcus came to my new house for dinner.

After Lily was put to bed, Marcus pulled a thick envelope out of his briefcase and set it on the dining table.

"What's this?" I asked, pouring him a glass of wine.

"The fertility clinic officially settled the gross negligence lawsuit," Marcus said. "The state medical board stripped the original lab technician of his license, and the clinic was completely restructured under Arthur's oversight to ensure an error like that can never happen again."

He tapped the envelope. "Arthur and Victoria directed the entire settlement to you, Emma. It's an irrevocable trust."

I opened the envelope and stared at the number on the paper. It was staggering. Enough money to ensure I would never have to worry about a mortgage, tuition, or bills for the rest of my life.

"I can't accept this," I said, shaking my head. "It's too much."

"You don't have a choice," Marcus grinned. "Arthur made it bulletproof. He said it was the least they could do for the woman who brought them their miracle."

I looked at the paperwork, tears pricking my eyes.

Richard had tried to destroy lives for six million dollars. He had lied, cheated, and abandoned his family for money that ultimately sent him to prison.

I had simply loved a child, protected her, and stood my ground. And now, I was being handed the security and freedom I never asked for, from people who genuinely valued my heart.