I froze. “The beach? Who told you that?”

Lily pointed at Brenda.

“You were taking her out of state? Without telling me?” My voice trembled with anger.

Brenda sighed. “Charlotte, honestly—”

“We’re taking her for treatment,” Daniel cut in. “You’re overreacting.”

“Treatment? She has a cold!”

“Sun and ocean air will fix her right up,” Brenda waved a hand dismissively. “We already booked the resort for two weeks.”

Jessica gasped. “Wait—what? You told me she knew! That she was meeting us here!”

I glared at her. “They lied to you, Jessica. They tricked you into bringing my daughter here.”

Jessica paled. “Oh my word! I—I didn’t know.”

By now, airport security had noticed. I squared my shoulders. “This is kidnapping!”

Brenda’s fake smile faltered. “Don’t be dramatic. This is just a misunderstanding.”

I laughed bitterly. “A misunderstanding? You lied, packed my daughter’s things, and bought plane tickets. What do you call that?”

As security moved in, Daniel sighed, rubbing his temples. “Fine. Whatever. Take her.”

Without another word, I walked away, Lily clinging to me.

Jessica rushed after me, apologizing. “I didn’t hear my phone. When I arrived, they were already here. I’m so sorry, Charlotte.”

I was too drained to deal with it, but I knew she was innocent.

Hugging Lily tighter, I realized—this wasn’t over.

They thought they could control me.

They had no idea who they were dealing with.