Page 52 of Stealing Daddy's Heart

I can't breathe. The Scarpetta Family.

The message is almost sickeningly polite—the phrasing, an expertly written corporate apology: Strategic reallocation of resources, redirection of efforts, complete cessation of partnerships with external contractors.

With one carefully worded message—coded, yes, but the meaning is unmistakable. The Scarpettas are declaring their retreat.

She nods, her eyes sparkling. “They got spooked as soon as I started sniffing around. Didn't want any more attention on their operations.”

I look at Autumn. “Is this real?”

Autumn grins widely, looking like she could burst from pride. “Triple-checked. It's legit, Sky.”

I let out a disbelieving laugh, loud and unrestrained. Nearby patrons stare, but I don't care. I could float away if not for Autumn's anchoring touch.

“Our plan worked,” I say, my voice thick with emotion.

The threat over Dad and Garrett is gone. I can hardly believe it. “How did you do it so quickly?”

“Those leads Garrett gave me were solid gold,” Autumn explains, her eyes shining with excitement. “I followed the money trail, uncovered enough to incriminate them. It's all laid out in black and white, impossible to ignore. The Scarpettas are too exposed, too vulnerable. They're pulling out of everything. That's why they sent those flowers—they're waving the white flag.”

My gaze darts across the room, seeking out Garrett, his tall frame unmistakable. Dad is beside a large painting, mid-conversation, his brow furrowed.

“We need to tell them,” I say.

She grins, squeezing my arm as we weave through the crowd. “You took on a crime family and won. With art and journalism, no less. Who says the pen isn't mightier than the sword?”

Garrett and Dad are quick to cross the room.

“I should go,” Autumn says, her eyes dancing. “Lots to do before I head to Midnight Falls to work on this haunted house story.”

“Your heading to your hometown for work?” I ask, confused.

“There have been some spooky events at the famous Manor House. I'm going to investigate. It's going to be wild—hopefully with fewer crime families involved this time!” She winks, and we both laugh, the sound lighter than it's been in weeks.

“Go,” I say, squeezing her hand. “Be brilliant. And thanks, again. For everything.”

As Autumn disappears into the crowd, my heart swells with pride.

I raise my head to meet Garrett's eyes as he and Dad reach us. “You need to see this.”

I hand them the card, watching as they read it together. The transformation on their faces is almost comical—confusion giving way to disbelief, then to dawning realization.

For a moment, we all stand there, letting the news sink in. Peace washes over me. We faced our fears, stood our ground, and came out stronger on the other side.

Then, to my surprise, my father pulls me into a tight hug. “You were right. About handling it without violence,” Dad says, his voice thick with emotion. “Your mother would have been so proud.”

I nod, words stuck behind the lump in my throat. I pull away from Dad.

Garrett wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me close. “You outplayed them,” he says, pressing a kiss to my temple. “I'm so proud of you.”

Dad's gaze settles on our intertwined hands. He hesitates, then looks at us resolutely. “You have my blessing,” he says, his voice softer than I've ever heard it. “If being together makes you happy, I'm all for it.”

I'm speechless. I glance at Garrett, who looks as stunned as I feel. Those words, ones I'd been waiting to hear for what feels like forever, work their way straight into my heart. I would have gone ahead regardless, but Dad's approval makes it easier. Although it's only been a few days since our confrontation, Dad's quick acceptance means so much. The worry about Garrett quitting his job to avoid awkwardness with Dad vanishes.

I throw my arms around Dad and hug him tightly. “Thank you,” I whisper, choking back tears.

When I pull away, Garrett and Dad exchange a look. “I'll always take care of her,” Garrett extends his hand to Dad.

Dad hugs him instead. “I know you will.”

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