Sawyer didn’t move.

Carolina had never once breathed a word to him about anyone named Fernanda. No cousins, no friends, no sisters—nothing, in ten years.

Bridget carefully noted the name in her file. “Did you hear anything else?”

“Grandma told her the girl doesn’t exist anymore, and that she did the right thing when she signed the papers,” Gracie recalled. “Mom said that even though she signed, now she looks at me and sees the same thing.”

Sawyer felt the ground fall away beneath his feet as the pieces began to lock into place.

Dr. Ross returned shortly after with the medical results, confirming that while there were no broken bones, the severe bruising and physical stress were undeniable indicators of a pattern of trauma.