Evelyn’s POV

The hum of the diner’s fridge was the only sound between them. Evelyn sat at one of the empty booths, phone in hand, staring at the message for the hundredth time. The glowing screen burned her eyes, but she couldn’t stop looking.

Welcome, Miss Carter. Your first appointment has been scheduled. Please prepare to meet your intended parent.

Client: Damian Blackwood.

The name looked unreal, like something cut from a newspaper headline.

Carmen slid into the booth across from ...