“I am this family,” I said. “And you embarrassed my daughter.”
He waved his hand dismissively. “Oh, for God’s sake. It was a joke.”
“No,” I said. “It was a test.”
His eyes narrowed. “What?”
“You wanted to see if I’d let you do it,” I said calmly. “Like I always have.”
Silence stretched between us.
For a split second, something flickered across his face—recognition.
Then pride shoved it aside.
“You’ve always been too sensitive,” he said. “Now you’re raising one too.”
“And that’s exactly why you’re not allowed near her,” I replied.
He took a step forward, but security moved closer.
I didn’t raise my voice.
“I’m done,” I said simply. “You don’t get access to my company. You don’t get access to my home. You don’t get access to my child.”
Richard’s mouth opened.
Then closed.
For once, he had no performance left.
Security escorted him out.
The door shut behind him with a finality I felt in my spine.
