A calmer environment — something Caroline’s family rarely provided.

When she returned to the room, Riley rolled her eyes. “Don’t act like we’re strangers. We’re family.”

Caroline kept her voice even. “Family doesn’t make choices about my child behind my back. And they definitely don’t tell her I don’t care.”

Her father waved his hand dismissively. “You’re exaggerating again.”

That was the breaking point.

Caroline took a breath. “Please leave. All of you.”

Riley stepped forward. “You can’t tell us we can’t see our niece.”

Caroline didn’t waver. “I just did.”

There was something unshakeable in her tone — enough that, for once, they stopped arguing and walked out.