Michael’s gaze was steely as he confronted Janet. “What is going on here? Why is Sophie doing all this work? I trusted you to take care of her, not treat her like a maid!”

Janet stammered, attempting to regain her composure. “Michael, you don’t understand—she needs discipline. She’s lazy and—”

“Enough!” Michael cut her off, his voice firm. “This is not discipline. This is abuse. Sophie is a child, not your servant.”

Sophie clung to her father, feeling the warmth and safety she had missed in his absence. Michael knelt beside her, taking her hands gently, wincing at the sight of her injuries. “Oh, my sweet girl, I’m so sorry.”