Chapter 6: The Poisoned Cup**
Tires screeching, David sped through the quiet suburban streets toward his home. The morning sun was now high in the sky, casting bright, cruel light across the manicured lawns.
He threw his truck into park on the driveway, nearly tearing the front door off its hinges as he burst inside.
""Emma!"" David shouted, his boots pounding against the hardwood floor.
He found them in the sunlit kitchen.
Eleanor was sitting at the breakfast bar, wearing a delicate pastel cardigan, reading a magazine. Emma sat across from her, a plate of untouched toast in front of her. Resting right beside Emma's right hand was a small, steaming porcelain mug filled with honey-sweetened tea.
Emma was staring at the mug, her small fingers curled into fists in her lap, remembering her father's warning.
""David, darling,"" Eleanor purred, turning a page without looking up. ""There’s no need to slam doors like a savage. Emma was just about to have her morning tea.""
David crossed the room in two strides. Before Eleanor could react, he grabbed the mug and hurled it into the stainless steel sink. It shattered with a violent crack, the amber liquid swirling down the drain.
Eleanor stood up slowly, her pleasant expression evaporating into a mask of pure venom. ""You are completely out of your mind.""
""Get your things,"" David said, his voice deadly quiet, pointing toward the front door. ""Get out of my house before I drag you out by your hair.""
Emma shrank back into her chair, her eyes wide with terror. ""Daddy...?""
""Go to your room, Emma. Pack your backpack. We are leaving,"" David commanded, never taking his eyes off Eleanor.
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Eleanor didn't move. A slow, chilling smile spread across her red lips. ""You make a single move against me, David, and the police will be here in five minutes. And who do you think they’ll believe? A grieving, violent carpenter with no money... or Sarah’s devoted mother?""
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