After some thought, I began, "Mr. Donovan, the reason I came today is to bring your grandson back to your family.”

My statement was like a sudden thunderclap, shocking the old man and Annika into stunned silence.

Donovan scrutinized me up and down, as if he wanted to see through me, trying to understand my intentions. It was as if he perceived me as a conniving woman using the child to extort them, and he was on high alert.

"What do you mean? Grandson? Where did this grandson come from?"

A