Grace walked into the kitchen, pale and trembling. “Dad… I need to tell you something. I’m going to my real father.” Chase — a local baseball star — had found her online. He threatened to ruin my shop unless she joined him to create a perfect family image. But I had saved every message and already sent proof of his threats to journalists and sponsors.

When confronted, he panicked and left. Weeks later, his career collapsed. That night, Grace hugged me. “You’re my real father,” she whispered. And I knew the promise had been kept — because family is who stays, fights, and loves.