Then Chloe’s voice, sobbing. “No, please—”

A sharp slap cracked through the speaker. Then another. Then Lewis, from outside the door: “Mom, not her face. We still have brunch photos tomorrow.”

I made a sound so broken I couldn’t breathe.

Mia stopped the recording. “I was in the service hallway. The door wasn’t fully shut. I recorded it because I thought maybe someone would need proof.”

Robert turned away, his shoulders shaking once. Then he faced her. “Your son will be protected.”

Evelyn shot him a warning look, but Mia only nodded through her tears. “I don’t care what happens to me. Just don’t let that woman send your daughter back.”