Chapter 1854
Stunned into silence by his daughter's accusations, Thaddeus found himself at a loss. He didnât
recognize the wild, frenzied woman in front of him. How could this possibly be his little girl,
Sophia?
How had Sophia become like this?
Lea couldn't stand it any longer. âEnough, Sophia!â She snapped. âHow many times over the years
have you manipulated Dad with your twisted version of family love?! You're never satisfied! You're
the one with the deceitful heart! You lust after things that don't belong to you! And now, you dare
to blame Dad? Look at yourself for once!â
Sophia glared at Lea with venom in her eyes. âWho are you to lecture me, you little brat?! Was it
your place to snatch away Dad's affection and create this rift between us?!â
Lea, who had never seen her father this way, tentatively asked, âDad, are you okay?â
Thaddeus didn't answer. His stifled tears turned into open weeping.
After seeing her usually stoic husband breaking down, Bertha gently patted his back. âThaddeus, it's
okay. Maybe this is for the best. Sophia needs to change.â
Thaddeus wept uncontrollably. âBertha, you're right. I spoiled her. I turned her into this...this
monster. I failed as a parent. If only I had listened to you, if only I hadn't indulged her every whim,
maybe she wouldn't have turned out like this...â
Thaddeus,â Bertha said softly, âthere are no âifsâ and âmaybes' in life. It's never too late to realize our
mistakes.â
Thaddeus didn't respond. His cries filled the silence of the car.
For the first time in his life, he wept openly. He was consumed with regret over his daughter's
transformation into a menace.
In the quiet car, Bertha and Lea sat with Thaddeus, allowing him to vent his despair.
By the time they returned to their hotel, it was already late. Bertha supported Thaddeus, fearing his
emotional turmoil might lead to a physical stumble. She suggested he rest while they dealt with the
aftermath the next day.