CHAPTER 5
Michael stood slowly with Lily in his arms.
She clung to him.
Vanessa’s confidence slipped.
“Put her down,” she said. “You’re rewarding bad behavior.”
Michael’s eyes went cold.
“Say that again.”
Vanessa looked toward the hallway, as if expecting help from the empty house.
“She has been lying to you,” Vanessa said. “She throws tantrums. She refuses meals. She hurts herself for attention.”
Lily flinched against Michael’s chest.
That was the final crack.
Michael turned his body slightly, shielding Lily from Vanessa’s face.
“My daughter has never lied to me,” he said.
Vanessa laughed once.
“Your daughter has you wrapped around her finger.”
Michael looked at the bowl again.
His voice dropped.
“Did you make her eat from that?”
Vanessa said nothing.
Silence can confess when pride refuses to.
Michael reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone.
May you like
Vanessa’s eyes widened.
“Pack your bags before I call the police.”
