Emma POV

The air in the hall felt heavy.

No one spoke. The only sound was the clock ticking on the wall.

Ethan stood in front of us, tall and cold. His hands were behind his back. His eyes were sharp like glass.

“I have one more thing to say,” he said. His voice was calm but filled the room.

Everyone looked at him. I did too, though I tried not to.

“From now on,” he said slowly, “Emma will do all the chores in this house.”

The words hit me like a slap.

My hands went cold. I looked ...