Victoria appeared, flawless in cream silk. Her voice cut cold. “I pay you to clean, not to pretend you’re their mother.”
The boys pressed against Grace. Victoria snapped her fingers. “Now.”
When they didn’t move, she grabbed Oliver’s arm. He cried out. Grace stepped forward instinctively.
“Please—don’t pull him. You’ll hurt him.”
Victoria raised her hand.
Jonathan stepped out.
“Victoria,” he said calmly. “What’s happening?”
Her fury vanished, replaced by a practiced smile. “My love! I was disciplining Grace. She’s been terribly irresponsible.”
Grace stood pale, holding Oliver. Jonathan masked his rage.
“Grace, take the boys inside. Then come to my office.”
Victoria smiled, convinced Grace was finished.
In the office, Grace apologized immediately. “I’d never neglect them. They’re everything to me.”
“Why do you always take the blame?” Jonathan asked.
She hesitated. “If I’m fired… who protects them? Miss Victoria doesn’t know Ethan is afraid of the dark. Or that Oliver needs music to sleep.”
“And who are they afraid of?”
She whispered, “Her.”
She told him everything—punishments, isolation, threats. Jonathan’s hands clenched.