Ethan pulled a chair closer and motioned for Sarah to sit down beside him at the quiet table.
Sarah held tiny baby Leo closer against her chest, her heart hammering wildly against her ribs.
She could not believe that her lost sister was gone forever, yet her nephew was right here.
Ethan: My mother never wanted me to marry Clara because your family was not rich.
Sarah: Clara never cared about money or fancy mansions when we were growing up.
Ethan: I know. She was the most honest and kind woman I had ever met in my life.
Ethan touched his sleeping son's tiny hand, his fingers trembling with deep emotional pain.
Ethan: Before Clara died, she begged me to make sure our baby learned about her sister.
Sarah: But your mother made sure I could never find her address or phone number.
Ethan: My mother controlled all of Clara's medical records and social accounts during her entire pregnancy.
Sarah felt a strong surge of anger rising inside her chest as the truth began coming out.
She remembered the cold lady who had visited her small house four years ago offering a check.
Ethan's mother, Victoria Vance, had told Sarah to stay far away from her wealthy family forever.
Sarah: Your mother told me Clara hated me and never wished to speak to me again.
Ethan: That was a total lie. Clara cried for you every single night in our home.
Sarah: How could a mother be so cruel to her own son and his young wife?
Ethan: She wanted me to marry a wealthy heiress from a local banking family instead.
The restaurant manager suddenly walked over toward their table with a very sharp frown on his face.
Manager: Sarah, you have been sitting with customers for fifteen minutes! Get back to work right now.
Ethan slowly stood up to his full height, glaring at the floor manager with icy authority.
Ethan: Do not raise your voice at her. I am buying this entire restaurant this afternoon.
Manager: Sir, I was just trying to keep our service moving along quickly.
Ethan: Hand me your manager key and clear out every other table in this room immediately.