Six days remain. I stared at the circled date on my calendar. Six days until I learn if my dreams will finally come true, or if I must forge a different life plan.

I've thought of nothing else since Cora inseminated me last week. My anxiety about a potential pregnancy overshadows even Mike's betrayal.

I strive for composure, but I can't help imagining my future with a baby. I constantly daydream, even humming as I prepare for work.

Arriving at my employer's estate in Moon Valley's most exclusive neighborhood—arguably the world's most exclusive, given Moon Valley's exorbitant cost of living—I'm greeted by two excited voices shouting, "Ella!"

Three-year-old Millie hugs my legs while her older brother, Jake, embraces my waist. "Good morning, love puddles!" I exclaim, returning their hugs. "Ready for the museum?"

"Yeah!" They cheer, rushing out without coats. It takes some wrangling to get them bundled up, but soon we're venturing into the snow.

Jake races ahead, impatient for the science museum, oblivious to Millie's slower pace. Chuckling, I lift Millie onto my hip. "Goodness, you're getting too big for this, munchkin."

"Nuh-uh," Millie grins. "You're justs too little."

She has a point. At five foot one, I'm not built for heavy lifting. I'm fit, but not particularly strong. "Smarty pants," I tease, laughing.

Looking back, I see Jake stopped a few feet ahead. My heart leaps—we're in front of the Sinclair mansion, and its owner stands on the sidewalk, his gaze intense. Dominic Sinclair is strikingly handsome but also intimidating.

With dark hair, piercing green eyes, chiseled features, and a muscular physique, his good looks and wealth seem unfair. His imposing six-foot-four height contributes to his aura, but it's an indefinable, dangerous quality that commands attention. His raw, animalistic energy fills the space.

Taking a breath, I close the distance so Millie can greet him. He smiles genuinely at her, tugging at my heartstrings. Watching him interact with the children, I recall Cora mentioning his infertility struggles. He clearly loves children, and I feel empathy. If anyone understands longing for a family, it's me.

Jake shows Dominic his new toy airplane, demonstrating its flight. He launches it into the street. Before anyone reacts, Jake runs after it, into oncoming traffic.

"Jake, no!" I cry, frozen with fear as he darts into the path of a car. Before I can react, Dominic moves with incredible speed, rescuing Jake just before impact. The car's tires still screech as Dominic sets Jake down beside me, his expression stern.

"That was very dangerous," he says gently. "Never run into the street without looking both ways."

Jake hangs his head. "I'm sorry, I didn't want my plane runned over."

"You are a million times more important than a toy," Dominic says firmly. "And you scared your nanny half to death."

"I'm sorry, Ella," Jake sniffles, looking up at me.

"I know, sweetheart. Don't ever do that again," I say, cuddling him. "Thank you," I tell Dominic, overflowing with gratitude. "I don't know how you moved so fast! It was like a superhero movie."

"Adrenaline, I guess," Dominic shrugs, smiling at Millie before leaving. "Enjoy your day, and stay out of the road, young man!"

"Yes, sir!" Jake calls, pocketing his airplane. "I'm really sorry."

"It's forgotten," I say softly, holding his hand to prevent another dash.

"It all happened so fast," I tell Cora later. "The more I think about it, the more amazing it seems. One moment he was there, the next gone. It was like magic."

"Thank goodness Jake's alright," she replies, but her face is grim.

Her expression reveals more than relief at Jake's near miss. "Is everything okay?" I ask.

Cora frowns. "Not really. But you have so much going on, it's not important."

"Cora, don't be ridiculous," I say. "What's wrong?"

"Well, speaking of Dominic Sinclair," she begins cryptically, "you know the sperm sample he sent for testing?"

"Yeah," I confirm, unsure where this is going.

"It's missing… and I'm the last person to see it," she explains, her voice thick with emotion. "Ella, I think… I think I'm going to be fired. And an investigation could cost me my license."

"What?" I exclaim. "A vial of sperm can't just walk away!"

"I know, someone stole it, but I have no idea who. And it looks like I'll take the blame," she says, tears welling.

"Cora, I can't believe you didn't tell me sooner!" I lament. "They can't fire you, it's unfair."

"Dominic is one of our biggest donors," Cora explains. "And he's furious. He wants my head on a platter."

A week ago, I'd have despaired for Cora. But Dominic's kindness with the children today makes me wonder if he's truly heartless. If he understood Cora's innocence, would he show leniency? I must help her. I'd do anything for my sister—even beg a ruthless billionaire for mercy.