Ann woke up early, even before the baby stirred in his crib. She hadn’t slept well. Every time she closed her eyes, Victor Knight’s cold stare haunted her. The things he said, how he looked at her like she was trash, made her chest feel heavy. She slipped out of bed and walked to the nursery. Her baby was still sleeping peacefully, his tiny chest rising and falling with each breath. Ann leaned over and kissed his forehead. “It’s okay,” she whispered. “Mommy’s here. No one will take me away from you.” She didn’t want Richard to see how much Victor’s visit had shaken her. She wanted to be strong for herself and her baby. But when she stepped into the kitchen, Richard was already there, dressed in a crisp black suit. He was sipping coffee, but his eyes looked tired, like he hadn’t slept eithe
