“Ethan, you can’t do this to your own mother!” Diane cried, her voice cracking as the hotel manager approached Jason at the nearby table. “How are we supposed to pay for the hotel? How are we going to fly back?”

“That is a decision for you, Brooke, and Jason to figure out,” Ethan said coldly. “You have your own jobs, your own credit, and your own lives. Do not come to my house when you return. Do not call Claire. Any further communication will go through my attorney.”

Before Diane could utter another word, Ethan ended the call.

He placed the phone face down on the wooden table and stood up. He walked into the kitchen pantry, which was now fully restocked with fresh groceries, warm soups, and fresh supplies. He filled a warm glass of water and walked back down the hallway to the master bedroom.

Claire was awake, sitting up against the pillows and adjusting Lily’s swaddle. She looked up as Ethan entered, her eyes filled with quiet uncertainty.

Ethan walked over, sat on the edge of the bed, and handed her the glass of water. He reached out and gently smoothed her hair back, leaning down to place a tender kiss on her forehead and then on his daughter’s cheek.

“It’s over, Claire,” Ethan murmured softly, holding her hand firmly in his. “Nobody is ever going to hurt you or our daughter again. From this moment on, it’s just us.”

Claire closed her eyes, tears of relief quietly falling onto her cheek as she rested her head against his shoulder, knowing that for the first time in months, they were finally safe.