The Confrontation
The staff had gathered in the hall, drawn by the commotion. Their eyes darted between their employer, the sobbing child, and the furious wife. They had seen glimpses of Vanessa’s temper before but never dared to speak. Now the truth stood in the open, undeniable.
Richard rose, still holding Emily. His voice was low, cold, and final.
“You will never speak to her like this again. Do you hear me? Never.”
Vanessa’s face twisted with disbelief. “Richard, don’t be ridiculous. You’re overreacting. She’s just a child. She’ll forget this.”
“No,” he said, his eyes locked on her. “I won’t forget. And neither will she.”
