Talia’s hand moved instinctively.
Not to stop him.
Only to steady the child.
But Elias saw the motion and misunderstood it.
- “Don’t,” he said coldly.
Talia froze.
He lifted Harper into his arms.
The instant he did, Harper’s body stiffened.
Her face emptied.
The light vanished.
Her hands reached once toward Talia, then curled against her own chest.
Elias felt it.
He felt his daughter disappear in his arms.
But instead of admitting what had happened, he held her tighter.
- “You overstepped,” he said.
Talia rose slowly from the floor.
- “Mr. Carter, I understand you’re upset, but please don’t punish Harper for—”
- “Do not tell me how to handle my daughter.”
Margaret stepped into the room.
