Sophie, still sobbing, crawled away from Claudia and ran into her father’s arms, seeking refuge and safety. Jonathan picked her up, holding her close as he whispered soothing words, trying to calm her down. The warmth and love in that embrace contrasted starkly with the coldness Claudia had shown.

“Jonathan, it’s not what it looks like,” Claudia began, her voice shaky as she attempted to regain composure. “I was just trying to help Sophie with her hair. She was being difficult.”

Jonathan’s eyes, usually soft and kind, were now steely and unwavering as he looked at Claudia. “Help her? By force? By making her cry? This isn’t help, Claudia. This is cruelty.”