Chapter 7 - The Father's Penance
"Buddy," Grant choked out, tears finally breaking through his eyes. He didn't dare touch Caleb’s arm. He just hovered his hands over his son’s trembling shoulders. "Caleb... Caleb, look at me."
Caleb flinched, pulling away. "Don't tie me up again," the boy sobbed, hiding his face. "Please, Dad. I'll be good. Don't tie me up."
The words were a dagger straight through Grant’s heart. He collapsed forward, pressing his forehead against the floorboards, weeping with a guilt so profound it felt like it was tearing his soul apart.
"I won't," Grant sobbed, his broad shoulders shaking. "I'm so sorry, Caleb. I am so, so sorry. I believe you. I see them. I see what she did. I'll never let anyone hurt you again. Please, forgive me."
Caleb slowly peeked through his fingers. He saw his father—the strong, unflappable billionaire—broken and sobbing on the floor in front of him. Caleb uncurled his body and, with his uninjured left arm, reached out and touched his father’s hair.
Grant wrapped his arms gently around his son’s waist, burying his face in Caleb’s chest, crying until he couldn't breathe.
Ruth stood up, wiping the blood from her cheek with her apron. She walked over to Marissa, who was still gasping on the floor, trying to crawl toward the door.
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Ruth placed a firm, heavy shoe squarely on Marissa’s back, pinning her to the carpet.
"Don't move, you piece of garbage," Ruth said coldly. She pulled her cell phone from her pocket and dialed 911.
