Three days later, Jonathan mentioned at breakfast he’d be coming home early to spend time with Ethan.
Grace saw Victoria’s expression shift — just for a second.
At 3:45 p.m., Victoria was in the nursery with Ethan. Grace entered with an excuse.
“Mrs. Miller, the florist needs to confirm where you’d like the arrangements before Mr. Miller arrives.”
Victoria sighed and left the room.
Grace carried Ethan — still holding the teddy bear — into the upstairs hallway, directly beneath one of the home’s security cameras. She sat on a bench, making sure everything was clearly visible.
Moments later, the front door opened.
“Where’s my little man?” Jonathan called cheerfully.
Victoria hurried upstairs, smile in place.
She took Ethan into her arms.
Grace didn’t look away from Victoria’s right hand.
Pocket.
Thumb.
Press.
Ethan screamed.
Jonathan froze halfway up the staircase. His smile vanished.
“Why does he always react like this when I get home?” he whispered, devastated.
“It’s just a phase,” Victoria replied sweetly. “The pediatrician said so.”
Grace stayed still. The camera captured everything.
Another subtle thumb movement.
Ethan’s cries slowly faded.
That night, Grace knocked on Jonathan’s office door.