In that moment, Richard realized that the world he had built—a world of success and financial security—was incomplete without the simple, honest connections that formed the core of a family. He saw how Grace’s gentle care had filled the void left by his absence and felt a surge of gratitude for the woman who had been more than just an employee; she had been a guardian, a friend.

Richard reached over, ruffling Oliver’s hair gently. “I’ll be there for the next school meeting. And the one after that. We’ll figure this out together, okay?”

Oliver nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Okay, Dad.”

As the room settled into a comfortable silence, Richard knew that change wouldn’t happen overnight. But the first step had been taken, and it felt like the most important deal he had ever brokered.

He glanced at Grace, the gratitude clear in his eyes. She nodded in understanding, a silent promise to support this newfound journey of fatherhood.