Emily froze. Joshua hid behind Max, who growled softly.

Rachel’s smile hesitated. “Danny… I’m home. I made a mistake.”

Daniel’s voice was low but steady. “A mistake? You abandoned them. Emily became their mother while you vanished.”

“I wasn’t happy,” she said, tears forming. “But I want to fix things.”

Emily’s voice cut through the air. “We don’t need you anymore, Mom. Daddy looks after us now.”

Rachel broke down, but Daniel didn’t move. “You don’t get to come back when it’s convenient,” he said, closing the door gently.