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00:00The morning of Mia's first day at kindergarten threw the Thornton household into chaos for half a day.
00:06Not because of the child, but because of the adults.
00:09Lucas stood at the doorway of the children's room.
00:12Which one today?
00:13Either is fine.
00:15What does either is fine mean?
00:17It means it won't cost money.
00:20She means it won't affect her meal.
00:22You know a lot?
00:24Better at tying hair than you.
00:27Daddy, don't be mad. I can wear a hat.
00:30In the end, Mia came downstairs wearing a little yellow cap.
00:34Her hair wasn't tied properly. The cap pressed it down.
00:37A small yellow child's bowl had been set at the long table.
00:41Is this mine?
00:43Harold didn't look at her.
00:44The butler bought too many.
00:47Thank you, Grandpa.
00:48No talking while eating.
00:50Mia immediately shut her mouth.
00:52After two bites, she whispered,
00:55Grandpa, can I say thank you to the scrambled eggs?
00:59Yes.
01:01Thank you.
01:02Wyatt nearly choked on his coffee.
01:03Lucas looked at him.
01:05Wyatt set his cup down.
01:07I'll warm up the car.
01:09Lucas was supposed to take her that day,
01:11but he had a shareholders meeting in the morning.
01:13Harold wasn't in good health,
01:15so Wyatt was reluctantly appointed as the kindergarten drop-off specialist.
01:19Mia wore her little rabbit backpack and held his hand.
01:22The teacher at the door crouched down with a smile.
01:25You must be Mia Thornton, right?
01:27Hello, teacher.
01:28Are you the father?
01:30No.
01:31This is Uncle Wyatt.
01:32He's a bit cold, but he's not bad.
01:35I complimented you.
01:37Thank you.
01:38Wyatt handed over the enrollment forms.
01:40Mr. Thornton, we also need you to fill out the parent-child activity preference form.
01:44First item, parent-child handicrafts.
01:47Second, parent-child sports day.
01:49Third, parent story time.
01:51Mandatory?
01:52At least one is recommended.
01:53It helps with integration.
01:55Uncle Wyatt, can you do hardy drafts?
01:57No.
01:58Then storytelling?
01:59No.
02:00Running?
02:00No.
02:03Yes?
02:03Then we'll run!
02:21Only then did Mia go into the classroom.
02:23The morning went smoothly.
02:25But after nap time, things changed.
02:28When Mia woke up, she noticed all the children had gathered in a corner.
02:32No one had called her.
02:33She sat up with her little rabbit.
02:35My mom says I can't play with you.
02:38Why?
02:39My mom said you're here to take money.
02:42My dad said she is not really a Thornton kid.
02:45She is a wild kid.
02:49I'm not wild.
02:51I washed my hands today.
02:55She laughed.
02:56The child's laughter held no malice, yet Mia clutched her rabbit backpack tighter.
03:01When school let out in the afternoon, Wyatt stood at the gate on time.
03:05He noticed at once that Mia was walking out very slowly.
03:09Wyatt crouched down.
03:12Who hurt you?
03:13No.
03:15I just didn't make any friends today.
03:17Why?
03:19They said I'm a wild kid.
03:22Can a wild kid ride an Uncle Wyatt's car?
03:25Wyatt's face turned cold.
03:27He didn't lose his temper immediately.
03:29He took Mia's hand and walked straight into the principal's office.
03:33Mr. Thornton, is Mia having trouble adjusting?
03:36I need the classroom surveillance footage from after naptime today.
03:43That involves other children's privacy.
03:46Then let legal handle it.
03:47Ten minutes later, the footage was pulled up.
03:50In the video, several children were huddled in a corner.
03:53Their voices were unclear, but a little girl could be seen pulling out a folded piece of paper.
03:57The school pulled up the entrance surveillance.
03:59At 1.12 p.m., a driver in a baseball cap had entered the kindergarten,
04:04saying he was delivering materials for a charity event.
04:07Where did the paper come from?
04:09I don't know.
04:11The license plate was clearly visible.
04:13Wyatt noted the number.
04:15Mia stood beside him.
04:16Uncle Wyatt, I've seen this car before.
04:19Where?
04:21The family ceremony day.
04:23Penelope was in it.
04:25Wyatt copied the video.
04:29I need the gate log, the document bag, and the class material to real transfer records.
04:34Yes, yes, of course.
04:35Mia tugged at his sleeve.
04:37Uncle Wyatt, if I don't come to kindergarten, will it stop being so much trouble for you?
04:42Wyatt looked at her.
04:43The little girl's head was lowered.
04:45The trouble is the one who did the wrong thing.
04:49Not you.
04:51Mia slowly lifted her head.
04:54Can I still come tomorrow?
04:56Yes.
04:58I'll bring you.
05:00Footsteps sounded at the door.
05:02Mia turned.
05:03Mia's eyes brightened.
05:04Daddy.
05:05Lucas walked in.
05:07He looked at the child's eyes first, then at Wyatt.
05:12Who?
05:13The driver for Penelope's household.
05:15Wyatt handed him the license plate number.
05:18Starting tomorrow, Thornton Legal will handle this.
05:21I need a written statement on Mia's safety and reputation during her time here.
05:25Mia took Lucas' hand and walked out.
05:28At the door, she stopped and turned back to look at the little girl who had called her a wild
05:32child.
05:33This is for you.
05:35I'm not wild.
05:36You can call me Mia from now on.
05:39Her father felt guilty about it and apologized.
05:42We're sorry, Mia.
05:43It was our fault.
05:45It's alright.
05:45We won't let this happen again.
05:48We apologize to you.
05:49Where did you get those stickers?
05:52Mommy bought them.
05:53She said little rabbits know their way home.
05:57Did she have a lot of them?
05:58A whole sheet.
06:00She said important things get a rabbit on the back.
06:03Wyatt and Lucas exchanged a glance.
06:05On the back of anything important, Lucas pulled out his phone.
06:09Back to the manor.
06:10Check every paper Ivy left.
06:12Wyatt stows the USB drive and holds out his hand to Mia.
06:16Lucas walked at the front with Wyatt and Mia following behind.
06:19The light outside the window had faded from golden to the purplish hues of dusk.
06:24The three stepped out through the doorway.
06:27The Thorntons hadn't even made it back to the manor before the trending topics went up first.
06:32Hashtag Thornton illegitimate daughter.
06:34Hashtag three-year-old fighting over inheritance.
06:36Hashtag voice recorder at the family reunion dinner.
06:39Several hashtags clustered together, all accompanied by candid photos.
06:43Mia stood in the middle of the banquet hall, clutching the rabbit with its torn belly.
06:48Someone had cropped a shot of her with red-rimmed eyes.
06:51The comment section erupted.
06:53Some said the Thorntons had no class.
06:54Some said the child was pitiful.
06:56Others said,
06:57Money in wealthy families is so easy to get.
07:00A three-year-old already knows how to show up and claim kinship.
07:02Lucas sat in the back seat of the car.
07:04His tablet still displayed those screenshots.
07:07Mia sat in her new child safety seat, installed for the first time,
07:11and she wasn't quite used to it yet.
07:12Her little hands gripped the seatbelt.
07:14Daddy.
07:15Hmm?
07:15Why were they taking pictures of me?
07:18Lucas looked at her.
07:19She wasn't crying, just a bit bewildered.
07:21Because adults made mistakes, and they want to put the blame on you.
07:25Mia thought for a moment.
07:27Then can I push it back?
07:29Yes.
07:30Like this?
07:32That works too.
07:33The rest, I'll handle it.
07:35That afternoon, the Thornton press conference was moved up.
07:38It was not a business briefing.
07:39It was a family statement from the Thorntons.
07:41The media filled half the hall.
07:43The Marcus family was also summoned.
07:45Celeste had put on makeup, but the dark circles under her eyes could not be hidden.
07:49Penelope sat beside her and whispered,
07:51Mom, why are we here?
07:53Celeste squeezed her hand.
07:55Shut up.
07:55In the backstage lounge, Mia sat on the sofa.
07:58She did not want to go out.
07:59She held her rabbit and gently touched the new thread on its belly.
08:03Lucas crouched in front of her.
08:04If you don't want to go, you don't have to.
08:06But they're talking about me.
08:09If I don't go, will they keep talking?
08:11I'll handle it.
08:12Mom said, when you're called on, you have to answer.
08:16Wyatt was organizing documents and paused at her words.
08:20Harold sat in another chair.
08:21He wore a suit today, his cane resting by his knee.
08:24He looked at Mia.
08:25Are you scared?
08:26Yes.
08:27Then she added,
08:28But if I stand next to Daddy, I can be a little less afraid.
08:32Lucas reached out and straightened her hat.
08:34Then stand next to me.
08:36When the press conference began, all cameras aimed at the stage.
08:39Lucas walked out holding Mia's hand.
08:41Harold on the left, Wyatt on the right.
08:44Shutters clicked nonstop.
08:45Mia flinched at the noise.
08:47Lucas tightened his grip on her small hand.
08:49She looked up at him and slowly steadied herself.
08:52The host had barely finished the opening remarks when the first reporter raised a hand.
08:56Mr. Thornton, is this child your illegitimate daughter?
09:00Did her mother, Ivy Winter, took $50,000 from the Thorntons and leave?
09:05Does acknowledging her now involve changes to the family trust's inheritance?
09:09The questions came one after another.
09:11Mia heard $500,000 and her palms turned cold.
09:15First, Mia Thornton is my biological daughter.
09:18Second, Ivis Winter did not take a single cent from the Thorntons.
09:21Three, regarding the forged transfer and the dilution of a plea for help three years ago,
09:26the Thorntons have already filed a police report.
09:28A buzz swept through the audience.
09:31Celeste sat in the front row, pale.
09:33Marcus lowered his voice.
09:34He's lost his mind.
09:37Wyatt opened the first document.
09:39The screen lit up, not with last night's transfer screenshot, but with a bank's underlying ledger.
09:44The $50,000 was transferred out of the Thornton Family Trust's linked account.
09:48Within three minutes, it was split.
09:51It ended up in three companies and one personal account.
09:54Ivy Winter's account was merely a pass-through.
09:57Second page, corporate information.
09:59Third page, registration records of Celeste's family shell companies.
10:03Fourth page, financial reports of companies under Marcus's name.
10:06The cameras quickly turned to the front row.
10:09Celeste tried to duck her head.
10:10This is the internal network logon record from the Thornton estate on the night of August 17th, three years ago.
10:15The plea for help that Ivy sent to me was deleted four minutes after it was sent.
10:19The device that deleted it was registered to the second floor West study.
10:22At that time, that study was being used temporarily by Mrs. Celeste Thornton.
10:29This is slander!
10:30I'm presenting records.
10:32Whether it's slander or not, the police will investigate.
10:36Mrs. Thornton, did you delete Ivy Winter's plea for help?
10:39Do you participate in the $50,000 transfer?
10:42And Mr. Marcus Thornton, why did your company receive this money?
10:45The scene grew chaotic.
10:46Mia shrank her shoulders.
10:48Lucas drew her closer.
10:49Harold picked up the microphone.
10:50His voice was not loud.
10:51But the moment he spoke, the hall gradually quieted.
10:54The Thorntons believed a forged transfer record back then.
10:57I bear responsibility for that.
10:58Ivy Winter's reputation will be formally restored by the Thorntons.
11:02And Mia's identity, no one needs to guess.
11:06The screen behind him switched to the Thornton Family Trust Charter.
11:09Wyatt highlighted one clause in red.
11:11First priority of the Thornton Family Trust.
11:14Direct line minor children of the main Thornton branch.
11:17Harold looked at the camera.
11:19Mia Thornton is Lucas Thornton's daughter.
11:21Effective to today, she enters the Thornton Family Trust as a primary protection beneficiary.
11:27A reporter pressed,
11:29Mr. Harold, does that mean she will become the Thornton heir?
11:32Harold did not dodge.
11:33She is the only direct line child of the main branch in this generation.
11:37Lucas took the microphone.
11:39He glanced down at Mia.
11:40She is not an illegitimate daughter.
11:42She is my daughter.
11:44The shutter sounds grew denser.
11:45Mia looked up at him.
11:47Then can I be a Thornton?
11:48The hall fell silent for a moment.
11:51Lucas crouched down.
11:52He met her eyes.
11:53Yes.
11:53Will mommy know?
11:55Lucas's throat tightened.
11:56Yes.
11:57Mia hugged her rabbit to her chest.
11:59She gave a small smile.
12:00Then I want to write it to her.
12:02After the press conference, Celeste was trapped by the media in the hallway.
12:06She tried to leave with Penelope.
12:09Mrs. Thornton, the police are already on their way.
12:12What do you think you're doing?
12:13Wyatt approached.
12:14Assisting with the investigation.
12:16A little family history, and you're really taking it to the police?
12:19Not family history.
12:21Suspected forgery of evidence, misappropriation of funds, and violation of a minor's reputation rights.
12:27Celeste's legs gave way.
12:28Penelope burst into tears.
12:30Mia stood not far away.
12:32She watched Penelope cry, her fingers twisting the rabbit's ears.
12:36She wanted to go over.
12:38Mia.
12:38Mia looked up.
12:40She's crying too.
12:41Lucas said.
12:42That's not your fault.
12:44Mia thought for a moment, then reached into her backpack.
12:47Inside was a small rabbit sticker.
12:49She did not walk over.
12:50She only placed the sticker on the nearby table.
12:52For her.
12:53When she cries, she can look at the bunny.
12:55Aren't you angry?
12:57Yes.
12:57But mom said when kids do something wrong, adults have to teach them first.
13:03Her mom didn't teach her well.
13:05Wyatt heard that.
13:06He looked down at the documents in his hand and took a few seconds before continuing on.
13:11That evening, at the Thornton Manor dinner table, for the first time, a small place setting stood beside the four
13:18adult ones.
13:18A yellow bowl and a rabbit water cup.
13:21Mia sat beside Lucas.
13:22She ate a few bites, then looked up at everyone.
13:25Harold frowned.
13:26What are you looking at?
13:27Mia whispered.
13:28I'm counting to see if I'm still here tomorrow.
13:32Lucas placed peeled shrimp into her bowl.
13:35No need to count.
13:36Harold pushed an egg over as well.
13:37Eat.
13:38Wyatt put down his phone.
13:39I'll take you to kindergarten tomorrow.
13:41Mia's eyes lit up.
13:43Will you wear the animal costume?
13:46Wyatt paused.
13:48Lucas looked at him.
13:49What animal costume?
13:50Parent-child sports day.
13:52Uncle Wyatt has to wear it.
13:54Harold coughed.
13:55Wyatt remained expressionless.
13:57I said I'll consider it.
13:58I know.
13:59Uncle Wyatt considers things slowly.
14:02Lucas drank water, the rim hiding his mouth.
14:05Harold picked up a newspaper.
14:06Wyatt glanced at them.
14:07Are you two very idle?
14:09I can be a little bunny.
14:11Uncle Wyatt can be the big bad wolf.
14:14Wyatt looked at her.
14:15Mia quickly added.
14:16But a good wolf.
14:17The table went quiet for a few seconds.
14:19Harold could not help it.
14:20He let out a soft laugh.
14:22Very faint.
14:23But everyone heard it.
14:24Mia heard it too.
14:25She looked at Harold.
14:26Grandpa, you can laugh.
14:28Eat your meal.
14:29Harold lifted the newspaper higher.
14:31Mia obediently lowered her head.
14:32In her yellow bowl, shrimp and scrambled eggs were piled high.
14:35Mommy, look.
14:36I have so much food.
14:39No one answered.
14:40But the lamp above the table burned very bright.
14:43Ivy's old rental was in the south of the city.
14:46An old apartment building with narrow hallways and peeling wall paint.
14:50Lucas stood at the door.
14:52It took him two tries to turn the key.
14:54The key had been given to him by Mrs. Dawson,
14:57Ivy's neighbor for the last two years,
14:59and the one who had brought Mia to the Thornton's doorstep.
15:02Ivy said before she left,
15:04if Mia found you, I should give the key to Mr. Thornton.
15:07Lucas took the key.
15:09Why didn't she come to the Thornton family sooner?
15:13She came.
15:14You didn't let her in.
15:16Lucas did not argue.
15:17The door swung open.
15:19The room was tiny.
15:20One bed, one old table, half a wardrobe.
15:23By the window hung faded children's clothes.
15:26Mia let go of Lucas's hand as soon as she entered.
15:29She ran to the bed.
15:30This is Mommy's bed.
15:33This is mine.
15:34Mommy said kids can't eat cookies sitting on the bed because crumbs will fall.
15:39Lucas stood at the doorway.
15:41The room was so small he could see all of Ivy's three years of life
15:45without taking more than a few steps.
15:47On the table sat a tin box.
15:49Wyatt put on gloves and opened it.
15:52Inside, medical records, payment receipts,
15:55the rental contract, a few photographs,
15:58and a whole sheet of little rabbit stickers.
16:00Several missing.
16:02This is where Mommy keeps important things.
16:04Wyatt flipped through the papers one by one.
16:07Sure enough, several documents had little rabbit stuck on the back.
16:11The first, Ivy's prenatal checkup report.
16:14The second, a copy of Mia's birth certificate.
16:16The third, an unsent legal consultation record.
16:20The fourth, a handwritten list.
16:22Lucas picked up the list.
16:24The handwriting was fine.
16:25It recorded every expense over three years.
16:28Formula, medicine, rent, daycare, rabbit repairs.
16:33Each item had an amount.
16:35The last line was written by Ivy.
16:36What I owe Mia is more than this.
16:39Lucas's fingertip rested on that line.
16:41The edge of the paper bore watermarks, rain, or tears.
16:45Mia leaned over the small table.
16:47She saw the line but could not read it all.
16:49Dad, what does this say?
16:50Lucas folded the paper.
16:52It says you were a very good kid when you were little.
16:55Really?
16:56Mommy said I was good too.
16:58Mrs. Dawson wiped tears nearby.
17:00She would never say you were bad.
17:03Even when she was so sick, she couldn't get out of bed.
17:07She was still afraid you'd go hungry.
17:09Mia looked up.
17:10Mrs. Dawson, why are you crying?
17:13Mrs. Dawson crouched down and hugged her.
17:15Auntie got dust in her eyes.
17:17Mia reached out and blew.
17:18A blow will make it better.
17:20Mrs. Dawson cried even harder.
17:23Lucas walked to the windowsill.
17:25A small pot of dried mint sat there.
17:27The soil had cracked.
17:29Next to it was an empty formula tin filled with loose change.
17:33Lucas picked up the tin.
17:34A little rabbit sticker was pasted on the bottom.
17:36B. Wyatt came over.
17:38Open it.
17:38The bottom was double layered.
17:40Wyatt pried it open with a small knife.
17:43Inside was a folded piece of paper.
17:45A hospital visitation record from three years ago.
17:48The day Mia was born.
17:49Lucas had indeed been abroad.
17:51But one name appeared on the visitor log.
17:53Celeste Thornton.
17:54The date?
17:55The day after Mia's birth.
17:57Ivy mentioned that a very elegant woman came to see her at the hospital.
18:00That woman said Mr. Thornton had already signed away his custody.
18:04And that the child had no status and would only be mocked in the Thornton family.
18:08Lucas's knuckles tightened.
18:09Did she believe it?
18:11She didn't believe it.
18:13That's why she kept all the evidence.
18:15Mia dragged a box from under the bed.
18:17Dad, this is mommy's too.
18:19Inside was a tiny baby outfit.
18:22Sewn into the inner lining was a small cloth pouch.
18:25Wyatt cut it open.
18:26Inside was the other half of a locket.
18:31When Harold received the call while sitting in the manor's living room,
18:35he went straight to the rental.
18:36Half an hour later, he arrived.
18:38When he saw that half locket, he looked sad.
18:42Lucas took out the other half of the pendant.
18:45The two halves fit together perfectly.
18:47In the middle was carved a tiny L.
18:49Harold sat on the old chair, silent, for a long time.
18:52That locket had been custom made by him when Lucas was born.
18:55Later, when Lucas came of age, Harold split it in two.
18:58One half for Lucas, the other reserved for the next generation of Thorntons.
19:02Lucas's half had been lost three years ago.
19:05He said he misplaced it.
19:06It had been in Ivy's hands all along.
19:09Harold looked at Mia.
19:10What else did your mother say?
19:13Mom said, the locket is a ticket.
19:15Harold's eyes reddened.
19:17He turned his face aside and cleared his throat.
19:19What else did she say?
19:22She said Lucas is very busy at work.
19:26She said Wyatt looks fierce but is reasonable.
19:30She said Grandpa doesn't like to laugh.
19:33Mom was wrong.
19:35Grandpa smiled yesterday.
19:37What else did she say about me?
19:39She said Grandpa can be wrong.
19:41Harold looked down at her.
19:42How did she can be wrong?
19:43Everyone can be wrong.
19:45But if adults are wrong, they have to say sorry to the kid.
19:48Mom said, I have to do this too.
19:50Harold looked at her.
19:52That sentence was not meant for the child.
19:54It was meant for them.
19:55The old man steadied himself with his cane and slowly rose.
19:59He walked to Mia.
20:01Then he bent down.
20:02A difficult move for him.
20:03His knees were bad.
20:04Grandpa, be careful.
20:06Mia.
20:08Grandpa was wrong.
20:10Mia froze.
20:10She had never heard such a big grown-up say they were wrong.
20:14Then you'll change it next time.
20:16Change.
20:17Lucas stood by the window still holding onto that handwritten list.
20:21Mia suddenly walked over to him.
20:23Dad.
20:24Lucas looked down.
20:28Mia tilted her face up.
20:30Why didn't you come find me back then?
20:33The air in the room seemed to press down.
20:35Lucas crouched down.
20:36This time, he did not explain with work, misunderstandings, or evidence.
20:41He looked into her eyes.
20:42Because I was wrong.
20:44Mrs. Dawson turned away.
20:47Even Wyatt said nothing.
20:49You can be wrong too?
20:50Yes.
20:51Then will you change it next time?
20:53Change.
20:56Then take this one.
20:57Stick it so you'll remember.
20:59Lucas looked at the rabbit on his cuff.
21:01Utterly mismatched with his black suit.
21:03But he did not peel it off.
21:04Wyatt's phone rang.
21:05He answered, and his face turned cold.
21:08Celeste has produced a statement.
21:10Lucas stood up.
21:11What statement?
21:11Wyatt sent the file to their group chat.
21:13Lucas Thornton signed waiver of custody from three years ago.
21:16Harold snatched the phone.
21:18On the paper, in black and white, was the signature Lucas Thornton.
21:23The date, the third day after Mia's birth.
21:25Celeste's lawyer relayed her message.
21:27If the Thornton family continues to pursue this, she will make this statement public.
21:32Lucas stared at the document expressionless.
21:34Mia came over to look.
21:36She could not read the words, but she spotted a faint pale pink in the corner on the back.
21:41She pointed with her little finger.
21:43Daddy, there's a bunny here.
21:46Wyatt enlarged the image immediately.
21:48On the back of the declaration, a very faint rabbit sticker mark showed through.
21:53Mrs. Dawson suddenly said,
21:55The things Ivy put bunny stickers on were never meant for bad people to see.
21:59Wyatt looked at Lucas.
22:01Where's the original?
22:02Lucas fastened his cufflink.
22:03Tell her to send it over.
22:05Harold leaned on his cane, his voice deep.
22:07This time, I'll see it myself.
22:09Celeste arrived at the manor with the statement after dark.
22:13She did not bring Penelope, only her lawyer.
22:16Marcus followed, his face grim.
22:18In the living room, Harold, Lucas, and Wyatt were waiting.
22:22Mia sat on the small chair beside Lucas, holding her rabbit, its belly sewn up, and her little
22:27yellow hat beside her.
22:28Celeste placed the document on the table.
22:31Dad, I don't want to take this to the extreme, but this statement was signed by Lucas himself,
22:35in black and white.
22:37He gave up custody back then.
22:39Ivy taking the child away wasn't something we forced.
22:42Wyatt did not touch it immediately.
22:44He put on gloves, photographed it, and assigned a number.
22:48Celeste grew irritated.
22:50Wyatt, you don't need to act like you're investigating a case.
22:53This is family business.
22:55Wyatt examined the paper without looking up.
22:57From the moment you forged that transfer, it stopped being family business.
23:01Celeste's face darkened.
23:02Lucas picked up the document.
23:04The signature did resemble his.
23:06The strokes, the connections, the habits.
23:09Harold frowned.
23:10Lucas?
23:10Lucas said,
23:11I never signed this.
23:12Who would admit to signing something like that?
23:15Lucas, it wouldn't have been strange if you hadn't wanted the kid back then.
23:17Mia looked up at Lucas.
23:19She did not cry.
23:20She only gripped her rabbit's ears tighter.
23:22Lucas set the document down.
23:24Examine it.
23:24Wyatt had already begun examining it.
23:26The paper number is from Thornton's internal legal paper stock from three years ago, but this
23:30batch didn't come into vacratory until September of that year.
23:33Celeste's expression shifted slightly.
23:35The statement date is August 20th.
23:37The paper arrived in September.
23:39You couldn't have signed it in August.
23:41The lawyer's face changed, too.
23:43Celeste quickly said,
23:45Then it must be a copy that was made later.
23:47Fine.
23:48Then let's look at the signature.
23:50On the screen, Lucas's signature appeared enlarged many times.
23:54Wyatt pulled up another document.
23:56On August 20th, Lucas was in Switzerland.
23:58This is his hospital admission record from that day.
24:00Racing injury, infection, high fever, IV in his right hand.
24:03This is the overseas authorization document he signed that same day.
24:06It was signed with his left hand.
24:08But your waiver of custody was signed with the right hand.
24:11Celeste's lips lost color.
24:13Marcus's forehead beaded with sweat.
24:15That only proves he could have signed it later.
24:17Wyatt looked up.
24:18A later signing would also have an authorization record.
24:21There is none.
24:22The living room fell silent.
24:23Mia did not understand the legal jargon.
24:26She stared at the rabbit mark on the back of the paper.
24:28She gently tugged Lucas's cuff.
24:31Daddy.
24:31Lucas looked down.
24:33What is it?
24:33Mia pointed at the paper.
24:35Mommy's bunny isn't here.
24:37What do you mean?
24:38When mommy puts a bunny sticker on something,
24:40she always sticks it behind the words.
24:43She said so the bunny can watch over the important words.
24:46This one is stuck on an empty spot.
24:48Mommy wouldn't stick it like that.
24:49Wyatt held the paper up to the light.
24:52She stepped closer and glanced at it.
24:53Yes.
24:54Ivy had a habit with her stickers.
24:56She'd stick them behind the line she thought was important.
24:59She said she was afraid she'd forget later.
25:01And if she flipped it over, she'd know which line mattered.
25:04Wyatt turned the paper over.
25:05The adhesive residue corresponded to a blank area.
25:08But below the last paragraph of the declaration,
25:11there was a faint cut mark.
25:12He picked up a magnifying glass.
25:14This paper has been cut.
25:15Lucas looked at Celeste.
25:17Celeste stepped back.
25:18Wyatt continued.
25:19The original position of the sticker should correspond to another piece of text.
25:23Someone cut out away the original text and left the sticker residue on the back.
25:26Harold's cane struck the floor heavily.
25:29Where is the original text?
25:30Celeste said nothing.
25:32Dad, this is all just speculation from Wyatt.
25:35Wyatt ignored him.
25:36He opened the scanned documents from the tin box,
25:39and record found in the rental.
25:40Paper stock number, edge texture, adhesive residue position, all matched.
25:45Wyatt superimposed the two images on the screen.
25:48The gaps aligned.
25:49The original line emerged.
25:51It was not a custody waiver.
25:53It was a question Ivy had written to her lawyer.
25:56If the child's father is kept in the dark,
25:58how can the mother preserve the child's right to identity?
26:01Mia could not read the words, but she saw the adults were silent.
26:04She asked softly,
26:06What does mommy's writing say?
26:08Lucas crouched down.
26:10She was protecting you.
26:12Mia blinked.
26:14Mommy always protected me.
26:15That light sentence made several people in the room fall silent again.
26:19Celeste suddenly let out a dry laugh.
26:22Protect.
26:23If she really wanted to protect,
26:25she should have stayed away from the Thornton family.
26:27What rights does she have to come back with a hide and take from the Thorntons?
26:31So you admit that what you fear is her coming back?
26:35Celeste went pale.
26:37Wyatt pulled out his phone.
26:40It's recorded.
26:41Celeste clamped her mouth shut.
26:43Car sounds came from outside.
26:45The butler hurried in.
26:46Sir, the police are here.
26:48Celeste could no longer stand steady.
26:51Marcus held her up.
26:52Harold did not look at them again.
26:54Investigate however it needs to be investigated.
26:56The Thornton family's face is saved by covering up its shame.
27:02Instead of going to great lengths to cover it up,
27:06face everything head on.
27:08After the police entered,
27:10Wyatt handed over the evidence one by one.
27:13The voice recorder,
27:14the access log copies,
27:15the internal network records,
27:17the bank statements,
27:18the original declaration,
27:19and the documents found in the rental.
27:21When Celeste was taken away,
27:23Penelope ran in from somewhere.
27:25Mommy!
27:26Celeste did not scold her this time.
27:28She bent down to touch her daughter's face,
27:30but her hand stopped halfway
27:32when the officer reminded her.
27:34Penelope sobbed breathlessly.
27:36Mia stood beside Lucas.
27:37She watched Penelope,
27:38then looked at her own rabbit.
27:40In the end,
27:41she placed her little rabbit sticker on the coffee table.
27:44She did not hand it over.
27:45She just left it there.
27:47After Celeste was taken away,
27:48Penelope was picked up by relatives from the second branch.
27:51Marcus remained at the manor.
27:53Harold announced in front of everyone
27:54that all trust privileges of the second branch were suspended.
27:58Dad,
27:58are you really going to throw us out
28:00just for a child who just came back?
28:01It's not for the child.
28:03It's for what you've done.
28:04Marcus tried to argue further.
28:06Harold raised his hand.
28:07How much you've taken from the trust over the years,
28:09Wyatt will investigate line by line.
28:12Lucas,
28:13are you just going to stand there and watch?
28:15Lucas stood under the living room light,
28:17the pink little rabbit still on his cuff.
28:18I've been watching for three years.
28:21I'm done watching now.
28:22Marcus's lips moved,
28:24but no words came out.
28:25A few days later,
28:27the Thorntons issued an official statement.
28:29Ivy Winter had never received money from the Thorntons.
28:32All defamatory content would be prosecuted.
28:35Mia's birth records were fully supplemented.
28:38Custody,
28:38household registration,
28:40and trust protection list,
28:41all finalized.
28:43Harold personally placed the half locket
28:45into a new little box labeled with Mia's name.
28:48Mia studied it for a long time.
28:49Grandpa,
28:50is this a ticket?
28:51Harold asked.
28:53What ticket?
28:53Mia said seriously.
28:54The ticket home.
28:55Harold pushed the box toward her.
28:57It's not a ticket.
28:58It's yours.
29:00Mia touched the box.
29:01Then can I leave it here?
29:03I'm afraid I'll lose it.
29:05Yes.
29:06The Thornton family will keep it safe for you.
29:09Mia thought.
29:10Then the Thornton family shouldn't lose me.
29:14Harold's throat tightened.
29:17It won't.
29:19That evening,
29:21the manor kitchen was busy.
29:22Not for a banquet,
29:23just dinner.
29:24Mia sat in her booster seat
29:25with her yellow bowl before her.
29:27Lucas stood behind her,
29:28holding a comb.
29:29He had practiced for three days,
29:30but the braid still leaned to one side.
29:33Mia touched it.
29:34Daddy,
29:34this looks like a little tail.
29:36Lucas looked.
29:37Take it out and do it again.
29:38Mia quickly protected her head.
29:40No need.
29:42A little tail
29:43can come to the table today, too.
29:46Wyatt came in
29:46with the kindergarten pickup card
29:48and placed it by the entrance.
29:50Mia's eyes were sharp.
29:51Uncle Wyatt,
29:53will you pick me up tomorrow?
29:56Hmm.
29:57What about the animal costume?
30:00Wyatt paused.
30:02Lucas was serving her food
30:03and froze mid-motion.
30:05Harold lifted his teacup,
30:07the rim hiding his mouth.
30:08The parent-child sports day
30:10costume confirmation form.
30:11Parent roll,
30:12big bad wolf,
30:14child roll,
30:15little rabbit.
30:16Really?
30:18Wyatt folded the notice.
30:20Only once.
30:21Mia nodded.
30:22A good wolf only wears it once.
30:24Lucas put vegetables in her bowl.
30:27Eat first.
30:28Mia took a few bites,
30:29then suddenly looked up at Lucas.
30:31Daddy,
30:32can I still come home tomorrow?
30:34Lucas' fork stopped.
30:36She had asked this many times,
30:38always with such caution,
30:39as if afraid the answer might change.
30:41Lucas set down his fork.
30:43This is your home.
30:45Mia looked at him.
30:46What about mommy?
30:48Lucas looked up.
30:49On the small cabinet
30:50beside the dining room
30:51sat Ivy's photograph.
30:53She was holding newborn Mia.
30:55Harold had had it reframed,
30:56placed not in a corner,
30:58but where the light could reach it.
31:00Lucas said,
31:01Mommy is home too.
31:02She got down from her chair,
31:04walked to the photo with her rabbit,
31:06and touched the frame gently.
31:07Mommy,
31:08Daddy bought a big can of formula
31:10he didn't borrow from Lone Hark's.
31:13Wyatt turned his face away.
31:14Harold coughed.
31:15Lucas smiled faintly.
31:17Her eyes curved.
31:18Daddy,
31:18you can smile.
31:20Lucas walked over
31:21and picked her up.
31:22Mia rested on his shoulder,
31:23still clutching her rabbit.
31:24Can I eat here every day?
31:26Yes.
31:27Can I sleep here every day?
31:29Yes.
31:30Can I put bunny
31:31in the middle of the bed?
31:32Yes.
31:33Mia thought for a long time.
31:35Finally, she asked,
31:36Can I be bad?
31:37The dining room went quiet.
31:38Harold put down his teacup.
31:40Wyatt looked at Lucas.
31:41Lucas carried her to the table.
31:43Yes.
31:44Really?
31:45Really.
31:46But before you're bad,
31:48you have to eat first.
31:49Then I'll have two bowls.
31:51Harold frowned.
31:52Kids can't overeat.
31:54Mia nodded.
31:55One and a half bowls then.
31:57Wyatt pushed her water cup over.
31:58Drink some water first.
32:00Mia looked at each of them,
32:01then suddenly laughed.
32:02You're so noisy.
32:04The butler was carrying over soup.
32:06He paused at her words.
32:07Thornton Manor had not been this noisy
32:09for many years.
32:10Before,
32:10it had everything.
32:12Documents,
32:12rules,
32:13bylaws,
32:14silence.
32:15Now,
32:16it had one child,
32:17an old rabbit,
32:18a yellow bowl,
32:19and the kindergarten pickup card
32:20by the entrance.
32:22After drinking her water,
32:23Mia carefully set the cup down.
32:24She looked at Ivy's photo
32:26and said softly,
32:27Mommy,
32:27I'm home.
32:29The courtyard lights glowed
32:30one by one,
32:31not for a banquet,
32:32but so that a child waking in the night
32:35would not lose her way.
32:36I'm home.