Catherine snatched the phone from Joanne's hand and glanced at the screen.
Her breath stilled.
The number was already typed in, of a child abuse helpline. For a moment, she simply stared at it; at how easily, how recklessly, Joanne had decided to ruin a life.
Then her gaze lifted, slow and sharp.
"You're really going to destroy him with a lie?" Catherine asked, her voice dropping into something cold, something dangerous. "Are you serious?"
Joanne lunged.
Her small hands clawed forward, grabbing at Catherine's wrist, nails digging into her skin as she tried to wrench the phone back. The sudden force caught Catherine off guard, and the two of them stumbled, the struggle turning ugly in seconds.
"Give it back!" Joanne snapped, her composure cracking.
The car door opened.
Maximilian stepped in, his expression tightening the moment he saw them.
"Stay," Catherine ordered, not even looking at him.
Her tone left no room for argument.
