My 11-year-old daughter left her home with her arm and more tones on her body. After leaving the corridor at the hospital, I fled directly to the school to encounter the ab:use… alone to discover that my father was my ex

“Ethan said if I told, his dad would get you fired. He said his dad owns the school.”

Ice settled in my chest.

“Did Ethan push you?”

She nodded. “He wanted my lunch money. I said no. He pushed me down the stairs. He said he can do whatever he wants.”

“And the teachers?”

“They said I tripped.”

I kissed her forehead. “Grandma’s coming to stay. I need to fix something.”

“Are they going to fire you?” she asked.

I smiled faintly. “No one can fire me.”

In the hallway, I pulled out my phone and called a direct line.

“This is Chief Justice Harper,” I said. “Prepare an emergency warrant. I’m heading to Westbrook Academy. Pull the file on Daniel Crawford.”

“Yes, Chief Justice.”

Westbrook Academy reeked of money. Luxury cars lined the lot. A black Lamborghini sat across two handicap spaces.

Inside, the secretary tried to stop me. I kept walking.

I pushed open the principal’s office doors.

Principal Monroe was pouring coffee. Behind his desk, feet propped up like he owned the place, sat Daniel Crawford.

My ex.

He looked older, but still polished and predatory. The same man who left me in law school for someone “more suitable.”