Maria stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on Lily’s back. “We’ll go inside, sir. I’ll take care of Miss Lily.”

Thomas nodded, his gaze fixed on Vanessa, who now looked less confident, less sure of the power she once thought she wielded.

As Maria guided Lily away, Thomas turned his full attention to Vanessa. “I married you believing you could be part of our family. But you’ve shown me today that you don’t understand what family means.”

Vanessa opened her mouth to protest, but Thomas silenced her with a raised hand. “Leave, Vanessa. I’ll have your things sent to you. This is over.”