Hopey looked at her mommy and nodded. "I like it here, it's fun!"

"Baby, don't say that," Samuel cut in and turned to Eliana sharply. "Stop manipulating her. She's just an innocent child."

"But I'll stay here with her."

"I said no."

Samuel's face darkened as anger brewed within him. "Please don't make me upset."

Eliana fell silent.

Hopey was munching on her sandwich while sitting on her father's lap. Her big eyes ...