Maya’s POV
The old house felt smaller with three powerful people inside. Isabella, Victoria, and Richard stood like shadows. Their eyes moved between me and the children. I held the little girl close. Her small body shook against me. The boy hid behind Sarah. My heart felt heavy. I thought, These children have seen too much fear. I ran from dark rooms and bad men to keep them safe. Now the family fights over them like toys. I cannot let them win.
Isabella spoke first. Her voice was sharp. “The girl is mine. She has my blood. She will learn to lead.”
Victoria laughed. “Sister, you always take what is not yours. The boy belongs to Alexander. The girl stays with me.”
Richard stepped between them. “Both children are Cross. I decide. They come with me. They will be raised right.”
Sarah hel
