"The snake which cannot cast its own skin has to die. As well the minds which are prevented from changing their opinions; they cease to be mind." – Friedrich Nietzsche

The term "daddy" resonated in Daniel's mind and, eventually, his eyes widened in horror, as Emily swam between the ocean of people, in an attempt to distance herself from him. Beside him, his mother choked on the itch in her throat, "Daniel..."

He didn't acknowledge her concern and chased after the blonde head in front of him, leaving Ashley and Edward alone with Victoria. Emily descended into the accommodation section of the yacht, assuring privacy for the conversation that would follow. Daniel shut the door behind him, determined there would be no prying eyes or ears nearby once he started, "Emily, let me explain."

"I'm not an idiot, Daniel," she barked, her eyes ablaze.

"No, but you are confused," her husband dared to correct her, and her fury built up tenfold. "Edward isn't my son. He's my brother, or half-brother, if you want to be technical." Her anger appeared to subside and she was oh-so-hopeful to believe his version of events, but the doubt remained. "My father hired Ashley after mom fired her but the position didn't come without personal favours." His voice lowered, resentfully. "To his credit, he's made certain she and Edward have never gone without. Even from behind bars, my father has a certain presence at Global."

"Daniel..." A hurricane of relief washed away her resentment and she broke into a faithful smile, "I'm so sorry I ever doubted you."

"There's more," he added, grateful for the instantaneous forgiveness. "Edward isn't my son but that doesn't mean there wasn't a possibility; Ashley and I slept together." His head bowed with the admission, "Then, Charlotte died, my mom's plane exploded and you accepted me back. Ashley saw how much we were in love. When she found out she was pregnant, she flew to London. She's been there ever since."

"Why didn't you ever tell me?"

His wife could barely look him in the eye, her reactions to him at the extreme opposite end of the spectrum with every new revelation. "For the same reason you never told me who you really were. I didn't think you would love me the same, if you knew the truth. It's the same reason we connected so deeply, why we fell so hard for one another. All of our lives, we've been led to believe we're not enough and expectations have worn me down. A childhood in foster care nearly broke you."

"So, we're the same person," Emily concluded, "Does that mean we carry on with life as normal, dismissing indiscretions and infidelity?"

"We've made mistakes, we've kept secrets and we had reason to. Neither one of us were ever permitted to trust another human being." Daniel honestly assessed, but his wife dismissively scoffed. "It's true. It may sound juvenile but you're still nine year old Amanda Clarke, who could never save her father, and I'm still Daniel Grayson, the boy who wanted to become a poet. Except, maybe it's time to move on and realise that we'll never be those people. We're different, Em. We're Daniel and Emily Grayson; so madly in love with each other, that even my mother roots for us," he humorously pointed out.

"Well, when you have Victoria Grayson on your side, then maybe you really are blessed." Her sarcastic tone partnered with a small smile and she moved into Daniel's embrace. "I love how well you know me, Daniel, and not knowing my name all these years doesn't cancel that out." Her fingers softly traced his upper-arm and she softly exhaled at his soft skin, "When I saw you in November of '03, you were a pawn in my scheme to destroy the Grayson kingdom. Twenty year and four children later, you're the one I've spent my life loving." A relaxed smile settled on Daniel's lips and Emily ran her hand over his brown curls, "But you were right. We need - I need - to move on. There's something I should have done long before now." Without further explanation, Emily reappeared on-deck and Daniel followed behind.

"What's going on?"

His raven-haired child interrogated him and Daniel folded his arms, "It's complicated."

Emily approached the microphone, "Ladies and Gentlemen, if I could have your attention." She politely smiled, once she had gained an appropriately quiet audience. "Firstly, I'd like to thank each and every one of your for attending today. Your continued support of these charities overwhelms me." She paused, concluding the niceties everyone waited with bated breath for her to move beyond. "As I'm sure you are all aware, there has been another whirlwind of controversy around my family and I would like to accept this opportunity to confirm the rumours; I am, indeed, Amanda Clarke." Hushed whispers of discussion started up, "In light of this revelation, on behalf of my family and committee behind me, I would also like to announce to newest charity to receive support from this afternoon's event: the David Clarke foundation. It will fund and support children within America's social care system, and follows them beyond release from an institution. My husband has honurably donated $100,000 as a starter fund to the charity and I appeal you all to follow his lead." She reached for a fresh glass of Champagne, "I would also like everyone to raise their glasses to my mother-in-law, Victoria Grayson, who is the brains behind the charity and who I am elated to reconcile into our family. To Victoria Grayson..."

The audience applauded and cheered Victoria's name. Nolan suavely approached Emily, as she stepped down, "Well, well, well... what a lovely speech."

"Yeah, mom," Charlotte agreed with Nolan, once the family reunited into one group. "Does this mean you and dad are back together?"

"Like I never left," her mother promised, squeezing an arm around her shoulders.

Daniel reached for a flute of Champagne for himself and nodded, "I'm sure your mother's speech has dispelled the media from anymore hurtful reports for the family name and Global. Perhaps, this could mark the start of a calm and peaceful summer here in the Hampton's," Daniel's voice lifted at the idealistic future months ahead. Sometimes, he dreamt of his childhood summers; life seemed much easier when your summer consisted of trips to the beach.

"As long as neither one of you have anymore past indiscretions to harm the family," his mother murmured her warning.

"Well, I can't speak for Daniel but I'm sure I didn't imprison an innocent man, with a nine year old child ready to bite me in the ass for it," Emily remarked.

Nolan was the only one to seek the humour in her comment, "Might be a little soon to crack jokes publicly, Ems." Emily rolled her eyes and Nolan raised his own flute in celebration, "I would like to make a private toast, to all of you. It's been a crazy ride, Grayson's, but I wouldn't have missed it for the world. I'm honoured to be an extended member of the family. I'm proud of every one of you and you should be, too. The Grayson name has become somewhat unbeatable, not for reasons of wealth or status, but because your love for one another is unconditional. To the Grayson's," Nolan concluded.

Their flutes clinked and Emily winked at Daniel, "To the Grayson's, and their next chapter…"