“It’s just a growth spurt,” she’d said. “She’s picky.”
“When was the last time you ate?” he asked softly.
Sophie swallowed.
“Tuesday.”
It was Friday.
Jonathan stood slowly.
Kimberly let out a short laugh. “She exaggerates. She’s dramatic.”
“She says she hasn’t eaten since Tuesday.”
“She refuses proper portions,” Kimberly replied sharply. “I’m teaching her discipline. Structure.”
Jonathan’s voice turned cold.
“Structure doesn’t mean starvation.”
Kimberly’s smile faded. “You’re never here. You don’t see how manipulative she is.”
Sophie flinched.
Jonathan saw it.
In that moment, something inside him shifted permanently.
“Sophie,” he said without taking his eyes off Kimberly, “tell me the truth.”
Sophie’s hands trembled.
“She said if I told you, she’d send me away,” she whispered.
Jonathan felt his stomach drop. “Send you where?”
“To a foster home.”
The kitchen went silent.
Kimberly’s composure cracked. “She’s being hysterical.”
Jonathan turned to her fully.
“Pack a suitcase,” he said evenly.
Her eyes widened. “Excuse me?”
“You’re leaving. Tonight.”
“You can’t be serious.”
“I am.”
“You’re overreacting. I’m the only one actually parenting her.”