Millionaire Visits an Orphanage—Then a Little Girl Says, “I Know You!” and Reveals a Shocking Secret

While Gabriel felt a profound sense of freedom after walking away from Mendes Corp, the real nightmare was just beginning.

When he arrived at Sunshine House that afternoon accompanied by his personal legal team to initiate the formal emergency custody transfer for Clara, Catherine Morrison met him in her office with a look of deep distress.

Beside Catherine sat a stern woman in a dark gray suit holding an official state folder.

"Gabriel," Catherine said nervously. "This is Eleanor Vance... from the Department of Children and Family Services."

Gabriel froze, his eyes narrowing as he recognized the last name. "Vance?"

Eleanor Vance stood up, her expression cold and unyielding. "I am Richard Vance’s sister-in-law, Mr. Mendes. I am the senior regional supervisor for state custody placements."

Gabriel felt a cold spike of panic in his chest. "What is going on here?"

"I have reviewed your petition for emergency custody of Clara Rose Martinez," Eleanor said, holding up a official document. "And as of two hours ago, your petition has been denied by the state family court."

Gabriel’s legal counsel, Arthur, stepped forward aggressively. "On what grounds?! Mr. Mendes is her biological father! The DNA test results were submitted this morning showing a 99.9% match!"

"Biological paternity is not the sole determining factor in child placement, counselor," Eleanor replied smoothly, a faint, cruel smile playing on her lips. "Mr. Mendes has no history of parental care. He has spent the last fifteen years running a massive corporation with a demanding schedule. Furthermore, given his recent high-profile resignation and the media circus surrounding his personal life, the state considers his environment unstable."

"You are abusing your position to help Richard Vance punish me!" Gabriel shouted, his voice echoing through the office.

"I am protecting a vulnerable child," Eleanor countered coldly. "Clara Martinez will remain in state custody at Sunshine House pending a full psychological evaluation, home inspection, and a formal custody hearing set for six weeks from today."

Eleanor leaned closer to Gabriel, her voice dropping to a whisper meant only for him.

"And if Richard’s lawsuit against you for corporate mismanagement proceeds... you may find yourself legally unfit to raise a child altogether."

Gabriel took a step toward her, his fists clenching at his sides, but Arthur quickly placed a hand on his shoulder, restraining him.

"Don't do it, Gabriel," Arthur warned softly. "If you lose your temper here, she will use it in court to prove you're unstable."

Gabriel closed his eyes, forcing his breathing to slow down. He looked through the office window into the hallway.

Clara was sitting on the wooden bench outside, holding her colored pencils, watching him with wide, anxious green eyes. She knew something was wrong. She knew her world was hanging by a thread once again.

Gabriel walked out of the office, kneeling in front of his daughter on the bench. He smoothed her hair back, offering her the gentlest smile he could muster.

"Is everything okay, Daddy?" Clara whispered, her lip trembling. "Are you going away?"

"No, my darling," Gabriel whispered, pressing a warm kiss to her forehead. "I am never going away. Some silly people are trying to make things difficult, but I promise you... I am going to fight for you with everything I have."