022: Like father, like daughter

Ben's face reddened with indignation. "You have no respect? Is this the way to greet your father?" he thundered, his voice echoing through the room. Normally, Autumn would be trembling, her head bowed in submission, but today she stood tall, her gaze locked on her father's, unwavering and unafraid.

"Oh, my bad, father," Autumn said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I didn't realize you still acknowledged me as your daughter." Her words were a bold challenge to Ben's authority.

Ben's jaw dropped, his face purpling with rage. "Have you lost your damn mind? Have you forgotten who brought you into this world?" he spat, his voice venomous.

Autumn's smile was a thin, sugary coating on a razor-sharp retort.

"It's you, of course, father, but I see no point in kissing your shoes if you hate me so much. Wouldn't I look like a fool if I kept up the habit?" Her voice was honey-sweet, but the words cut deep, a stark contrast to the timid, submissive daughter Ben was accustomed to.

Iris, sensing