Doreen received the call just after ten that night: her uncle had straightened out the mix-up. Relief washed over her as she slipped out of her house and walked the short distance to her father’s place a few doors down. Johnathan let her in, and she headed straight for her father’s office, knocking lightly on the heavy wooden door. “Come in,” Anton called.

She drew in a steadying breath and stepped inside. “The shipments have been rerouted. Everything’s back on track.”

“Good,” Anton said, nodding. “Have a seat, Dee.” Doreen lowered herself into the loveseat across from his desk. He studied her for a moment, then spoke quietly. “I didn’t mean to cut you before.”

“I know.”

“I think you should take a few days off. Reset a little.”

“I’m fine,” she insisted. Anton was unconvinced. “Look, Doreen, I rely on you nearly as much as I rely on Mickey. That’s exactly why I need you at your best. You’ve been pale, working longer hours…I’ve seen this before.” His voice softened. “You had another miscarriage, didn’t you? And I'm sure you're ignoring Junior asking you to take it easy.”

“I’m fine,” she repeated, jaw tight.

He watched her in silence for a moment. “I don’t want you working, understand? Step back. Come back Friday. The Ivory Ball is right around the corner, and I’m sure Daria would appreciate having you there to talk things over with. You’re her mother, not Junior. Take the break. Abigail can cover for you.” Doreen’s teeth clenched. Getting parenting advice from him was bad enough, but the casual suggestion of Abigail stepping into her role - even temporarily - felt like a slap. After a long moment, she forced a single nod.

“Good. Now go home. It’s late.”

Doreen rose without a word, the sting of her father’s decision heavy on her shoulders. She nodded curtly, left the office, and stepped back into the cool night air.

The earlier relief from the call had faded, replaced by frustration at being sidelined. Especially by Abigail. Back inside her own house, she leaned against the closed door, wondering how she was supposed to “reset” when nothing in her life felt right.