He frowned slightly. "Okay…"
I stepped forward before she could spiral. "I'm Rose," I said. "Owen's mother, and Theo's teacher."
He studied my face. "Owen?"
"My son," I said. "He died five years ago."
Recognition flickered across his expression. He did the math.
Ivy's voice broke. "Theo is his."
He looked at Ivy. Not angry. Not yet. Just stunned.
"Theo is his."
"You told me Theo's father was gone," he said carefully.
"He is. He died before he ever knew."
Mark's jaw tightened as he processed it. Then he looked at me again. "You're saying… you're his grandmother."
"Yes," I said. "I found out today. And I'll be here... if you let me."
"You didn't tell her," he said to Ivy.
She shook her head once.
Mark exhaled slowly, rubbing the back of his neck.
"This isn't about biology," he said finally. "It's about what happens next."
"He died before he ever knew."
I nodded. "I'm not here to take anything from him."
Mark studied me, weighing that.
"Good," he said. "Because I'm his dad in every way that counts."
"And I respect that," I replied.
"I need some time to swallow this, Ivy, but we're going to handle it like adults," he said.
He took a deep breath before continuing.
"Ma'am, I don't know what you expect, but Theo is my son in every way that matters. This can't be a tug-of-war."
"I don't want that," I said. "I just want a chance to be there for him... within reason, of course. Financially, too. Owen would have wanted that. He's my blood, too."
"This can't be a tug-of-war."
