~Cayden's POV~
"I disown you!"
Hazel stood there, frozen for a moment. Her breathing was shaky, her eyes glistening with tears—but not from sorrow. No. Not anymore.
She smiled.
Soft at first. Then it bloomed, wider. Calmer. Almost serene. Like she'd finally realized something for the first time.
And then she spoke, voice steady, rising with each word.
"That would be the biggest favor you've ever done me," she said, almost like she was thanking him. "Because since when have I ever been considered your daughter? Since when have I ever been considered a Gilbert?"
She let the words breathe, stepping closer. Her voice sharpened, trembled at the edge but didn't falter.
"So you disowning me… you think that's something, right, Father?"
She laughed, the sound hollow, aching. "You don't even deserve that title. You've done nothing but bring pain into my life. Nothing but pain!" she yelled, her voice cracking now. Years of agony poured out in that sentence.
