“Sophie!” he called, his voice breaking the tense atmosphere. Both Sophie and Janet turned, shock evident on their faces. Sophie’s eyes widened in relief and fear, while Janet’s composure faltered.

“D-Daddy!” Sophie’s voice trembled as she scrambled to her feet, her exhaustion momentarily forgotten in the joy of seeing her father.

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!”