Early autumn. Haleworth Holdings's 35th anniversary gala.
Every major name in the city's business and social circles was there. The ballroom took up the entire top floor of Haleworth's own five-star hotel, with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the whole skyline.
Teddy ran around on wobbly little legs in a tiny custom suit, trailing after Grandpa. He mimicked shaking hands with every guest he passed, his baby voice slurring through polite greetings.
Half the CEOs in the room pulled out their phones to take pictures, grinning like fools.
A group of ladies clustered around Mom, gushing about how radiant she looked and how incredible her energy was.
There was no more careful, pitying softness in their voices now. Just honest, unreserved admiration.
On the drive home, the city li
