"You're right," he said quietly, his voice firm. "I did love my first wife more. And yes, I do miss her every day. But that doesn't mean I haven't cared for you, Helena. I've tried to be a good husband to you, even when you've made it difficult."
Helena's eyes widened, her mouth opening and closing as she struggled to process his words. "You—how dare you?"
Marcus didn't flinch. "What I won't do, Helena, is stand by while you bully Anabella. She's been through enough, and if you can't see that, then maybe you need to take a step back and reevaluate your priorities."
Helena's face flushed with indignation. "You're choosing her over me? Your wife?"
"I'm choosing to do what's right," Marcus said, his voice calm but unyielding. "And what's right is supporting Anabella. She's my daughter, and I will always stand by her."
