Natalie’s complexion turned a deep, angry crimson.

Victoria’s eyes instantly welled with calculated tears. “Please, Audrey. Dominic is Leo’s father. A little boy needs his father’s presence.”

“A real father doesn’t abandon his newborn at a public bus stop,” I replied, standing up from the iron chair. “A real father doesn’t value a restaurant reservation infinitely more than the open surgical wound of his wife.

A real father doesn’t call the office to check on his dinner before verifying whether his baby is even alive.”

Victoria lowered her gaze, her confidence entirely broken. “So… you refuse to instruct your father to lift the financial freeze?”

I looked down at them. “Correct.”