He Came Home Early and Found His Daughter Kneeling in a Maid Uniform — Part 2

Previously: When Thomas returned home early from his business trip, he expected a warm welcome. Instead, he found his beloved daughter Chloe on her knees, sobbing and scrubbing the floors under his new wife's cruel watch.

The Mask Slips

Eleanor’s forced smile wavered for a fraction of a second, but she quickly recovered her composure. She let out a soft, dismissive laugh, waving her hand as if the entire situation were merely a trivial misunderstanding. She walked toward Thomas, attempting to place a soothing hand on his arm, but he coldly stepped back, refusing her touch.

"Oh, Thomas, don't be so dramatic," Eleanor said smoothly, her tone dripping with condescension. "The girl has been incredibly spoiled and disrespectful since we married. I am simply teaching her some basic discipline and the value of hard work. A little chores never hurt anyone."

Chloe shook her head violently, her hands gripping the hem of her oversized maid uniform. She looked up at her father, her voice cracking with pure terror.

"It’s not just chores, Dad!" Chloe sobbed, stepping away from Eleanor. "The moment you left for your trip, she locked my bedroom door. She took away my phone and my clothes. She said if I didn't clean the entire house from top to bottom, she would convince you to send me away to a strict boarding school in Europe and I'd never see you again!"

Hearing his daughter's words, Thomas felt a sickening wave of guilt and fury wash over him. He had married Eleanor thinking she would bring maternal warmth back into their lives after his late wife's passing. Instead, he had invited a monster into his home. He looked at Eleanor, whose poised facade was finally beginning to crumble under his intense scrutiny.

"Is this true?" Thomas asked, his voice dangerously quiet. "Did you lock my daughter in her room and threaten her?"

Eleanor scoffed, her eyes narrowing as she realized she could no longer play the doting stepmother. She crossed her arms, her voice turning sharp and venomous.

"And what if I did?" Eleanor sneered. "You need me, Thomas. My family's connections are the only reason your company is surviving. You wouldn't dare cross me over a little discipline for a hysterical child."