John's POV

I sat across from Ruby’s foster mother, trying to read her expression. Her lips were tight, her brows drawn, and for a moment I thought I had lost her completely.

She shook her head. “No. Ruby isn’t a bad girl. I raised her better than that. She wouldn’t just walk away from her responsibilities. I don’t believe it.”

The words stung, but I forced myself to look broken. My shoulders slumped, and I leaned forward like I didn’t have the strength to hold myself up ...