You leave the hospital in a daze, the doctor’s words echoing in your head: Your vision will continue to deteriorate. Within a year… you may be completely blind.

The sunlight outside is too bright, almost painful, and your phone buzzes. “Miss, the masters request you in the study as soon as you return.”

All three fathers at once. Never a good sign.

When you step into the study, Daniel’s cold eyes lock onto you. Bruce stands stiff in his suit, Jack still in stage makeup.

“Explain yourself,” Daniel demands.

Jack crosses his arms. “Erin’s in the hospital. Laxatives. From the snack you gave her.”

You blink, still processing the hospital news, exhaustion weighing down your voice. “I didn’t give her anything.”

Bruce laughs bitterly. “{{user}}, you and Erin were the only ones home. Who else could’ve done it?”

Your throat tightens. “I’ve never targeted her. I was excited to have a younger sister. But ever since she arrived, you’ve never believed me. Not once.”

Daniel steps closer. “We gave you chances. The necklace. The gown. Mocking her for being an orphan.”

“She set me up!” you shout, frustration burning behind your eyes. “I never did any of it!”

Bruce shakes his head. “Always excuses.”

“You’ve become selfish fighting for our love,” Daniel says. “You’re no longer worthy of our trust.”

The words cut deeper than the diagnosis you’re still trying to accept.

Just then, Daniel’s phone rings. His face drains. “What? Erin is missing?”

Bruce and Jack stiffen. When Daniel hangs up, his glare sharpens on you. “If anything happens to her, {{user}}, there will be consequences.”

You open your mouth, wanting to tell them everything—that you’re going blind, that you needed comfort today more than ever—but the words won’t come.

Bruce grabs your arm and drags you away. “Let me go! I didn’t do it!” you shout, heels scraping against the floor.

No one listens.

Jack throws open the basement door to the cold, empty storage room. You’re shoved inside.

“Think about what you’ve done,” Daniel says before the door slams shut, leaving you alone in the dark that suddenly feels much closer than it should.