He couldn't ask for more. He couldn't risk making the same mistake and hurting the woman he loved again.

She'd made it clear she wanted space. All he could do was honor her wishes and keep his distance.

As Albert took a few strides, the elevator doors slid shut behind him.

The sound was barely a whisper but it weighed heavy on him. He hesitated, wanting to steal a glance back at her, but the doors were already sealed shut.

The longing to see her again gnawed at him.

He lingered for a moment before finally stepping out.

Outside, the sun beamed down.

But he felt no warmth. Instead, a chill ran through him, leaving him feeling low even after he reached Heron.

Come evening, he found himself on the balcony, puffing away on a cigarette.

A servant hurried over, cradling the baby. She looked distressed as she spoke, "Sir, your daughter seems to have a cold and a fever.

Should we take her to the hospital?"

Albert furrowed his brow, stubbing out the cigarette before gently feeling the baby's forehead.

It was burning up.

His frown deepened as he questioned, “What happened? How'd she catch a cold in this warm weather?"

The servant feared Albert might blame her, so she spilled the beans.

“Sir, while you were away on your trip last night, Mrs. Waston showed up out of the blue. She insisted on tucking Miss Jeslyn in herself. We tried to stop her because she's never done it before, but she wouldn't budge. Said she'd talk to you if anything went wrong."

Her voice trailed off nervously.

Albert's frown deepened as he heard this. He figured Daisy got worked up again because he was away on business.

She deliberately made her daughter Jeslyn sick just to get Albert to hurry home.

Was she out of her mind?