A Heart That Will Never Warm

The Escort Project was the smart bionic prosthetics project that Danielle's father, James Bradford, had valued most during his lifetime.

James had dedicated his life to philanthropy, and it was his lifelong dream to complete this project to benefit more people with disabilities.

Danielle had pushed through her pregnancy to oversee the project for several months. She had only stepped back once it started to take shape just before she gave birth.

By the time she arrived at the office, Cindy was already panicking. "Ms. Bradford, Mr. Gardner has entrusted everything to Ms. Landry. We have no idea what's really going on."

Danielle remained composed. "It's fine. Let's go to the CEO's office. I know Matthew's computer password."

Before they reached the office, Meghan rushed over and blocked her path. "Hold on, Mrs. Gardner."

Her lips were swollen, hickeys marked her neck, and her face radiated arrogance. "You can't go in without Mr. Gardner's permission."

Danielle shoved her aside with a cold expression. "Move. I personally oversaw this project, so I have the right to review it."

"You stopped managing this project when you got pregnant, and now you want to waltz in and steal someone else's achievements? It doesn't work that way."

Unable to stop Danielle, Meghan was so furious that she blurted out whatever came to mind.

At that moment, Matthew rushed over, his voice tinged with panic. "Danielle, why did you leave early? You didn't even wait for me."

Danielle scoffed internally. He had been too busy being intimate with Meghan to bother leaving with her.

She handed him a set of documents. "Matthew, look at these figures! The prosthetic materials were supposed to be imported. Why were they replaced with substandard parts? Who switched the suppliers and pocketed the difference?"

Meghan had substituted inferior materials for quality ones, cut corners, and pocketed the price difference.

Matthew frowned, finally realizing something was wrong.

Meghan's face drained of color, and she rushed to speak. "This has nothing to do with Mr. Gardner. I'm sorry, Mrs. Gardner. I only wanted to make more money to support my son. If anyone is to blame, let it be me alone."

She wept pitifully, which made Matthew's heart ache with sympathy.

Danielle scoffed. "Apologies are useless. This is criminal behavior, and I'm calling the police."

As soon as she finished speaking, a small figure lunged forward and slammed into her.

"Mean lady! Don't bully my mommy! Daddy, hit her!"

Taylor's shrill voice echoed through the workspace.

Danielle let out a muffled groan from the impact, her face instantly going pale. The surrounding employees watched the scene with visible shock.

Matthew rushed to her side at once. "Danielle, are you alright?"

Meghan hurriedly pulled Taylor to her side, pretending to scold him. "Taylor, where are your manners? Apologize to Ms. Bradford right now!"

She then turned to Danielle. "Mrs. Gardner, take your anger out on me. Please don't hold it against a child."

Despite her words, a look of triumph flickered in her eyes.

Before Danielle could speak, Matthew cut in. "Don't be so hard on him. He's just a kid. He doesn't know any better."

He then turned to Meghan. "Taylor didn't mean it. Take him home first. I'll explain things to Danielle."

Danielle locked eyes with Matthew and spoke slowly. "What is there to explain? Are you going to explain why he calls me a 'mean lady'? Or are you going to explain why he calls you 'Daddy'?"

She refused to endure another second of their pathetic performance and turned to leave the office.

Matthew chased after her. "Danielle, Ms. Landry's son is only six years old. Why are you picking a fight with a kid?"

Danielle clenched her fists. "How can a kid be so vicious at such a young age? That's clearly the parents' failure. Why shouldn't I hold him accountable? Is he your kid?"

Matthew's expression shifted instantly as he pretended to be angry. "Danielle, what nonsense are you talking about? How could he be mine? Our daughter is my only child."

Even at this point, he continued to lie through his teeth.

Danielle smiled bitterly and looked up at Matthew. "Then what is our daughter's name? You haven't even given her a name to this day."