Chapter 2: The House That Hid Secrets
I spent the next hour sitting beside Sophie in her bedroom.
I didn't care about the business calls.
I didn't care about the investors waiting for my response.
For the first time in years, Sterling Corporation could wait.
My daughter couldn't.
I helped her eat slowly.
Small bites.
A little soup.
Some fruit.
Every time she reached for food, she looked at me like she needed permission.
That hurt more than anything.
"Sophie," I said gently, "you never have to ask Daddy if you can eat.""
She stared at her plate.
"Vanessa said I was lucky she let me stay.""
I felt my hands tighten.
"She said that?""
Sophie nodded.
"She said after Mommy died, nobody wanted a problem child.""
I closed my eyes.
I had heard Vanessa complain before.
Small things.
Sophie was too quiet.
Sophie was too emotional.
Sophie needed more rules.
I had convinced myself it was normal.
I had been working eighteen-hour days trying to build a company and protect our future.
But while I was protecting a future, I had ignored the present.
I looked at my daughter.
"Why didn't you tell me?""
Her eyes filled with tears.
"Because you always looked happy with Vanessa.""
That sentence broke me.
Children didn't need perfect parents.
They needed parents who noticed.
I hugged her.
"I'm sorry.""
She shook her head.
"Daddy, did I do something wrong?""
"No.""
I held her tighter.
"You did nothing wrong.""
A knock came at the door.
I looked up.
Our longtime housekeeper, Maria, stood there holding a small tray.
She looked nervous.
"Mr. Sterling...""
"Maria, tell me the truth.""
Her eyes immediately filled with fear.
That scared me.
"About Sophie?""
She looked toward the hallway.
"Sir, I didn't want to interfere.""
"Interfere with what?""
Maria lowered her voice.
"Miss Vanessa told everyone that Sophie needed stricter treatment.""
My chest tightened.
"Everyone?""
Maria nodded.
"She changed the kitchen instructions.""
"What instructions?""
Maria hesitated.
Then she reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone.
"I took pictures because I was afraid something was wrong.""
She showed me a message.
It was from Vanessa.
*Sophie is not allowed snacks. She is learning gratitude.*
I stared at the screen.
Learning gratitude?
My daughter was six years old.
Not a prisoner.
Not a servant.
A child.
"Why didn't you tell me?""
Maria looked ashamed.
"Because Miss Vanessa threatened to fire me.""
I looked at the message again.
Then another thought hit me.
"Who else knows?""
Maria swallowed.
"The nanny quit last week.""
"Why?""
She looked down.
"She said she couldn't watch anymore.""
I stood up.
"Where is Vanessa?""
"Outside, sir.""
I walked downstairs.
Vanessa was standing near the entrance, already wearing her coat.
"You really scared the staff, Richard.""
I stopped.
"Where were you planning to go?""
She smiled coldly.
"Somewhere I don't have to be accused of things by my future husband.""
Future husband.
The words sounded strange now.
"There is no future here.""
Her face changed.
"You can't be serious.""
"I am.""
She laughed.
"You are choosing a child's tantrum over me?""
I looked at her.
"No.""
I stepped closer.
"I'm choosing my daughter over someone who hurt her.""
For the first time, Vanessa looked nervous.
Then she said something that made me stop.
"You really think Sophie told you everything?""
I stared at her.
"What does that mean?""
Vanessa grabbed her purse.
"You should ask your daughter why she never told you about the woman who visits this house every Friday.""
My heart sank.
"What woman?""
Vanessa smiled.
A cruel, knowing smile.
Then she opened the door.
May you like
"Ask Sophie.""
And she walked away.
