Agnes took a hesitant step forward, her voice shaking, “You can’t scare us with your war stories, old lady. You’re just trying to intimidate us.”

I met her gaze, unblinking. “You’d be surprised what intimidation can achieve, especially when it’s backed by skill. But that’s not my intention here. I’m simply making it clear that your reign of terror in this house ends now.”

Brad, his face still pressed against the floor, muttered something unintelligible.

“What was that, Brad?” I asked, leaning in closer.

“I said, you can’t keep me down forever!” he spat, struggling against my hold.

“You’re right,” I replied, releasing him and stepping back. “I don’t need to keep you down. You’ll do that yourself with every cruel action you take. But know this: if you ever lay a hand on Sam again, if you ever try to punish him for being a child, you’ll be dealing with me, and you won’t enjoy that encounter.”

Brad staggered to his feet, rubbing his wrist, his eyes darting between me and the exit. Agnes hovered by his side, clearly unsure of her next move.

“I think it’s time for you both to leave,” I suggested, not as a question, but as an order. “This is no longer your home.”

“You can’t do this!” Agnes shrieked, her voice high-pitched with panic.

“Watch me,” I replied, unwavering.

As they gathered their things, Brad muttered threats and curses under his breath, but his bluster was hollow, and he knew it. Agnes tried to maintain some semblance of dignity, but her hands shook as she fumbled with her purse.

With the door finally closed behind them, the house was silent again. I turned to Sam, who was watching me with wide, adoring eyes. He didn’t fully understand what had happened, but he knew enough to feel safe again.

“Gamma,” he said, his voice small but filled with awe, “you’re like a superhero.”

I knelt down to his level, smoothing back his hair. “No, my dear, I’m just a grandma who loves you very much. And I promise, no one will ever hurt you like that again.”

He hugged me tightly, his small arms wrapping around my neck. I held him close, feeling the steady beat of his heart, each thump a reminder of why I had to act.

In the quiet aftermath, I knew this was only the beginning of a new chapter. There would be questions from my daughter, explanations to be given, and perhaps the law to contend with. But none of that mattered as much as the peace I had restored for my grandson. The path ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear: our family would rebuild, and we would do it together, stronger than before.