Veronica's POV
"Cecile, Ashley hasn't given you the complete picture," I said, my voice cutting through the tension. "The reality is, I struck her because she stood there watching Joseph get tormented without lifting a finger. Don't you think my reaction was justified?"
Cecile's expression grew stormy at the mention of her great-grandson being mistreated. "Someone attacked Joseph? When did this occur?"
"This afternoon, right outside the kindergarten gates. Joseph was ridiculed and tormented by other children, and Ashley was standing right there, completely useless. I slapped her to teach her a lesson she won't forget!" I explained firmly.
"Is this accurate, Ashley? You're Joseph's caretaker. How could you simply observe him being tormented without intervening?" Cecile demanded, whirling toward Ashley.
Hanna rushed to defend her. "Mom, this has to be a misunderstanding. Ashley adores Joseph. She'd never just watch him suffer. We can't simply believe Veronica's version."
