I walked straight to the office, Miles wrapped around my neck, refusing to let go.

“I want to see the security footage,” I said, steady despite the shaking in my hands. “Right now.”

The director, Mrs. Lang, stared at me.

Then the color drained from her face.

“You…” she faltered. “You weren’t meant to witness that.”

And in that moment, I understood.

The screaming hadn’t been a mistake.

It was standard practice.

Mrs. Lang tried to regain control—far too quickly.

She rose from her chair, pasting on a courteous smile that never reached her eyes. “Let’s not jump to conclusions,” she said smoothly. “Toddlers cry. Daycare can be overwhelming.”

Miles shuddered against me, his face buried in my shoulder. Each time a door clicked somewhere nearby, his body jolted like he was bracing for something bad.

I held her gaze. “You locked my child in a room,” I said evenly. “And you’re asking me not to overreact?”

Her smile faltered. “That’s not how it happened.”

I tightened my arms around Miles. “Then let me see the video.”