“I’m so sorry, Dad,” she murmurs into his chest, her words muffled by the fabric of his suit. “I tried my best.”

His heart breaks anew. “You have nothing to apologize for, Caroline. You’ve done more than anyone could ask of you. I’m the one who should be sorry. I should have realized sooner.”

Carefully, he unties Matthew from Caroline’s back and cradles the baby in his arms. The crying subsides as Matthew recognizes his father’s familiar scent and warmth, a small comfort amidst the chaos. Steven sways gently, whispering soothing words until the baby’s cries dissolve into soft hiccups.

He kneels beside Caroline, lifting her chin so she can see the sincerity in his eyes. “I promise you, things are going to change. I’ll never let this happen again.”

Her tear-stained face brightens slightly with a flicker of hope. “Really?”

“Really,” he assures her, his voice steady with determination. “We’re going to fix this. Together.”

Just then, Jimena appears at the top of the stairs, looking disheveled and irritated. “Steven, what’s all this racket? I told Caroline to keep it down.”

The anger Steven felt earlier resurfaces with newfound intensity. He looks up at Jimena, his expression unyielding. “Jimena, we need to talk. Right now.”

Her eyes widen slightly at his tone, but she rolls them dismissively. “Can’t it wait? I’m not feeling well.”

“No, it can’t,” Steven replies firmly. “I’m done with this. With you treating Caroline like a servant and neglecting your responsibilities as a stepmother. This isn’t the life I want for my children.”

Jimena scoffs, crossing her arms defensively. “Oh please, it’s not as bad as you’re making it out to be.”

Steven shakes his head, incredulous. “It’s worse. And if you can’t see that, then you’re not the person I thought you were.”

The room falls silent, the tension palpable. Caroline clings to Steven’s side, watching the confrontation unfold with wide eyes. The baby fusses slightly in Steven’s arms but quickly settles again, sensing the comfort and safety his father provides.

Steven turns his attention back to Caroline, squeezing her hand gently. “We’re going to be okay,” he whispers to her. “I promise.”

And with those words, he knows without a doubt that they will be. Because at the end of the day, family is what truly matters, and he will stop at nothing to protect his.