Sophie gasped, clinging to Elena’s apron as Daniel dropped to his knees, shaking with relief and horror.
Daniel’s hands trembled as he brushed Sophie’s damp hair back from her forehead. Her tiny body shook in Elena’s arms. He pressed his lips to her temple. “Daddy’s here, my angel. You’re safe now.”
But as the reality sank in, his expression hardened. He turned to Elena, his voice sharp. “You’re sure Claudia had the keys?”
Elena’s injured hand trembled, blood dripping onto her uniform. “Yes, sir. She looked straight at Sophie before walking away. I begged for help… but she ignored me.”
Before Daniel could answer, the front door opened. Claudia appeared in a silk dress, sunglasses perched atop her head, calm and elegant. She raised a brow at the scene. “What’s all this noise?” she asked lightly.
Daniel shot to his feet, veins bulging in his neck. “You left Sophie locked in the car?”
Claudia’s painted lips curled. “Oh, don’t be dramatic. I must have forgotten she was back there.”
“Forgotten?” Elena snapped, her voice breaking. “You stared right at her!”
Claudia’s smirk deepened. “And what would you know? You’re just the help. Perhaps you’re the careless one who left the child there.”
Elena’s injured hand shook as she held Sophie close. “I would break every bone in my body before letting her suffer like that.”
Daniel’s face darkened. “Sophie, tell me what happened.”
The little girl buried her face against Elena’s chest, trembling. Then, in a broken whisper, she said, “She saw me. She laughed. She said I wasn’t her child.”
Daniel’s chest tightened, fury roaring inside him. He turned, his glare burning holes through Claudia. “Is that true?”
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