Silence. Then, a dismissive snort. “Kids need discipline. Emma’s too soft. You’re coddling her.”

“You were cruel,” I retorted, struggling to keep my voice steady. “You made her feel worthless, and I won’t allow that. She won’t be coming back.”

I could hear his indignation, but I hung up before he could respond. The thought of Emma sitting in their house, feeling scared and unwelcome, was unbearable.

I knew I had to take further steps to ensure Emma’s safety. Consulting a lawyer, I learned about the legal options I had, including a restraining order if necessary. It was crucial to document everything, so I wrote down the details of what I heard on the recording, preparing to protect Emma’s interests at all costs.