David’s presence startled Janet, who had been lounging in the kitchen, sipping coffee. She straightened her posture, plastering on an insincere smile. “David! You’re home early! I was just teaching Sophie some responsibility.”

“Responsibility?” David echoed, stepping past her toward Sophie. He knelt beside his daughter, gently taking her small hands in his. The sight of the raw, bleeding cuts made anger swell in his chest. “This is not responsibility, this is cruelty!”

Janet’s smile faltered. “Oh, don’t be so dramatic, David. She’s fine. Kids these days need—”