Susan's voice had softened, so much so that I almost doubted whether she'd been the same person yanking on my ear just moments ago.

Richard's gaze toward me turned cold. He stepped past me with long strides and gently scooped Susan into his arms, his voice tender as he asked, "Did you hurt yourself?"

"My ankle seems to have twisted, and my back hurts so bad." Whimpering, Susan curled herself against Richard's chest. "Sophia pushed me when I asked her about her work progress. ...