Dean immediately sent a text to his assistant, Michael. He knew Michael would have the number of Helen's assistant, Naomi.

Soon enough, his phone buzzed with a new message. Michael had sent him all the information he needed.

Dean’s eyes lit up with determination, and a smile graced his lips.

"Just wait, Helen. I won’t let you down anymore," he promised quietly, gripping his phone like it was his lifeline.

---------------

The next day, Dean woke up in a surprisingly good mood. And he had every reason to be. After all, Naomi had, in a way, sold her boss out.

Naomi couldn’t be blamed, though. She had been with Helen since the very beginning. She was there back when Helen was still struggling to build her company from the ground up.

Naomi had witnessed every sleepless night, every silent tear Helen shed when she thought no one was looking. She also knew Helen’s story.....at least parts of it.

So when Dean reached out, saying he wanted to fix things, Naomi found herself torn. Against her better judgment, she accepted his proposal. She only wanted to see Helen happy again.

Naomi knew the risk. She was certain Helen would be furious if she discovered what she had done, but deep in her heart, she felt it was worth it. Someone had to give them both a chance to talk.

Dean stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his cufflinks and smoothing his shirt. His lips curved into a faint smile.

"Not bad. She might not be wowed, but she’ll remember us… the way we were," he mumbled, taking a deep breath.

He was going to meet Helen at a quiet coffee shop. The catch? Helen didn’t know about it yet.

-------------

“Coffee shop? I don’t remember scheduling this,” Helen muttered as she scrolled through her planner, frowning at the unfamiliar entry.

Her brows knitted in confusion.

"Did I forget something?" She murmured under her breath.

Naomi, standing opposite her with the most innocent smile she could manage, said, "Ma'am, you might have overlooked it, but I can assure you have a meeting with the investor at the coffee shop."

Helen’s frown deepened as she asked, "may I ask who this investor is? I have no recollection of this."

Naomi’s smile wavered for half a second. If she mentioned Dean’s name now, Helen would refuse to go. Naomi knew that with absolute certainty.

Before Helen could press her further, the door opened, and Diana walked into the study with the nanny trailing behind.

Helen’s face instantly softened. Naomi exhaled quietly in relief. Diana’s timing had saved her from having to come up with a half-lie.

"You’re awake, baby," Helen said, smiling at the little girl. Diana had Dean’s features. The shape of his face, his nose, even his stubborn jawline, though her eyes were all Helen.

Every time Helen looked at her daughter, she couldn’t help but think of Dean, whether she wanted to or not. His sudden reappearance wasn’t helping matters.

"I came to find Mommy," Diana replied while rubbing her eyes, looking adorably disoriented from her nap.

Helen’s heart melted. She reached over and brushed Diana’s cheek with her thumb.

"Mommy is quite busy, though."

"Then I’ll wait for Mommy," Diana said firmly, plopping herself into a chair like a queen claiming her throne.

Helen’s lips curved into a faint smile. She didn’t have the heart to argue with her daughter.

"Uhm, President, you didn’t ask about the outcome of yesterday’s meeting," Naomi interjected, seizing the opportunity to change the subject. "I sent the files to you last night, but I didn’t get a response."

Helen turned to face her assistant, still stroking Diana’s hair. "That’s true. I haven’t had time to review the documents. Tell me, are their proposals good?"

Naomi nodded. "Yes, ma'am. Their offer is strong, better than anything we've seen from other investors. I think it’s a good idea to work with them."

Helen tapped the table lightly, a habit she had whenever she was anxious or deep in thought.

*Of course they’d have a good proposal," she murmured, almost to herself. "This is our dream, from so many years ago."

Naomi tilted her head slightly, not quite catching her words. Helen quickly straightened her posture.

"I'll accept it. We need the funding anyway. Let’s proceed."

She paused, her fingers curling slightly against the table. Or maybe it’s not just the dream I can’t give up on.

Her frown deepened at that thought.

What the hell is wrong with me? she scolded herself inwardly, biting her lip.

"You don’t have to deny it, Helen," her inner voice whispered cruelly. "You’ve been waiting for him all these years."

Her grip on the table tightened as she closed her eyes.

-------------

"Mommy, are you okay? You're lost again," Diana asked softly, touching Helen’s arm.

Helen blinked and looked down at her daughter. Diana’s gentle touch grounded her, pulling her out of her chaotic thoughts.

"Mommy's fine, sweetheart," she said, kissing her forehead.

"Are you sure, boss?" Naomi asked, concern etched across her face. "You look pale. Do you want to take a break? Maybe skip the office today?"

"I'm fine," Helen said firmly, standing up straighter. "I just drifted off for a moment. But I'm not so weak that I can't go to the office."

She crouched to Diana’s level. "Baby, Mommy has to go now. Be a good girl for Aunt Mel, okay?"

Diana pouted but nodded.

Helen kissed her cheek, then added in a lower voice, "Remember, if you see any strangers, stay away and scream loudly for help. Understand?"

Diana tilted her head, confused by the sudden warning, but nodded anyway.

Helen wasn’t taking any chances. Dean now knew about Diana. She knew how stubborn he could be. If he was determined to meet Diana, he would stop at nothing.

The thought made her chest tighten. She would never let anyone take her child away. Not even Dean.

But she didn’t know that Dean had no intention of fighting her. All he wanted was to see them happy again, and to win them back, no matter how long it took.