He hesitated a moment too long.

My mother filled the silence. “It’s mine,” she said simply.

“What?” I whispered.

She shrugged. “Years ago, you signed some papers. You were overwhelmed, remember? Baby on your hip, bills everywhere. You didn’t read them.”

“No…” I shook my head. “No, that was—”

“A transfer. Completely legal. Not my fault you didn’t pay attention.”

Daniel stepped closer. “I found out a few months ago. I’ve been trying to get it back.”

I turned slowly. “By meeting my mother in secret?”

“I didn’t want to bring her back into your life. You asked me not to.”

“I said I never wanted to hear about her again,” I finished.

“I know,” he said quietly. “That’s why I handled it myself.”

My mother laughed. “Handled? Please. You’ve been negotiating.” She looked at me. “He wants the building back. For you. Sweet, right?”

Daniel exhaled sharply. “Don’t twist it.”

“I’m not. I just asked for something in return.”

I looked between them. “What kind of something?”