Thomas’s heart pounded in his chest, each beat a reminder of the line that had been crossed. He looked at Lily, her face buried in his shoulder, then at Maria, the maid who had done what no one else could, saving his daughter without a second thought.

“I want you out of this house,” Thomas said, his voice low but firm. “Pack your things and go.”

Vanessa’s eyes widened. “Thomas, you can’t be serious. Over a misunderstanding?”

“This isn’t a misunderstanding,” he replied, his voice growing stronger, more resolute. “This was neglect. It was endangerment. And it’s not something I can forgive.”