Chapter 8 - The Father's Failure
Marcus stood perfectly still, his eyes locked on the horrifying video.
But as Michael watched his brother's reaction, a deeper, more sickening realization washed over him. Marcus wasn't shocked by the violence. He was panicked by the evidence.
"Delete it," Marcus ordered, his voice dropping to a desperate whisper.
Michael’s blood ran completely cold. "What?"
"I said delete it, Michael!" Marcus yelled, grabbing the phone from the table. "I am up for a senior partnership at the firm next month! If this gets out, my career is over! We will get Sophia a private nurse, but this video cannot exist!"
Elisa let out a heavy sigh of relief, realizing her husband cared more about his reputation than their daughter's broken bones. "Thank you, darling. It was just a momentary lapse of judgment."
Michael stared at his brother. He realized in that exact moment that Marcus wasn't just a negligent father. He was a complicit monster.
"You think I showed you that video to negotiate?" Michael asked softly.
Michael reached out and grabbed Sophia’s tiny hand. The five-year-old girl held on to him tightly, clutching her white rabbit.
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"That was a copy," Michael stated, his dark eyes burning with absolute, cinematic wrath. "The original file was just emailed to the local child protective services, the District Attorney, and every senior managing partner at your law firm."
👉 How will the corrupt parents react to losing their entire empire?
