A Public Confession

Creak.

The door swung open.

Hilda and Augustus walked in, chatting and laughing, followed closely by Noah.

The moment they stepped inside, all three froze in shock.

Sophia was sitting on the hospital bed, covered head to toe in black paint—her hair, face, hospital gown, even the bedsheets were stained with dark splotches.

She was frantically dabbing at her face with a towel, but it only smeared the mess further.

"Sweetheart, what happened to you?!" Hilda rushed over, then hesitated, gagging slightly as the sharp chemical fumes hit her.

Sophia glanced at Grace without saying a word.

Grace lifted her chin defiantly. "It was me."

Augustus's face darkened. He raised his hand to strike Grace. "You brat! Why would you throw paint on Sophia?!"

Noah stepped forward immediately, pulling Grace behind him protectively. "Uncle Augustus, calm down. Let's talk. No need to hit anyone."