The icy wind howled between the houses, turning falling snow into sharp needles that cut against her skin. She sat on the front steps in her thin pajamas, trembling, clutching a small, soaked gift package to her chest.

Her fingers were so numb she could barely unlock her phone.

— Leo… — she sobbed when she heard his voice. — Please… come get me… They threw me out… I’m scared… I’m freezing…

There was a short silence on the other end.

— Where are you, June? — Leo asked urgently.

— In front of the house…

The call ended.

Leo didn’t hesitate.

He grabbed his jacket, took his keys, and ran straight into the snowstorm. His heart was pounding wildly. He knew every second could mean the difference between life and death.

Meanwhile, June felt her strength slowly fading. Snow clung to her eyelashes, her lips were turning blue, and every breath burned in her chest.

“Don’t fall asleep… Don’t fall asleep…” she whispered to herself.

Through the window, she could see her parents laughing and drinking wine, acting as if nothing had happened. As if their own daughter wasn’t fighting to survive just outside the door.

Suddenly, she heard footsteps.

— June!!!

She lifted her head weakly.

— Leo…

He dropped to his knees beside her and pulled her into his arms.

— Oh my God… What did they do to you… — he murmured.

He took off his jacket and wrapped it tightly around her.

— You’re ice cold… You could have died…

— I just wanted to give you your present… — she cried.

She handed him the wet package.

Inside was a small notebook and a note:

“To the best brother in the world. Never forget what a good person you are.”

Leo’s eyes filled with tears.

In that moment, he made a silent promise: no one would ever hurt his sister again.

He stood up, lifted June in his arms, and walked to the door.

He knocked.

Harder.

Even harder.

— OPEN UP NOW!

Robert opened the door, holding a glass of wine.

— What is all this noise? — he snapped.

Then he saw June.

His face turned pale.

Eleanor appeared behind him.

— Leo, you’re overreacting… — she said coldly. — It was just discipline…

— Discipline?! — Leo shouted. — You threw a child into the freezing cold!

He pulled out his phone.

— All the evidence is saved. I’ve sent it to the police and the media.

Their faces froze.

— You can’t do this… — Robert whispered.

— I already did.

A few hours later, police cars filled the street.

Secret accounts, fraud schemes, and illegal deals were exposed.

The Sterling name was ruined forever.

In the hospital, June lay under a warm blanket.

Leo held her hand.

— You saved me… — she whispered.

— No, — Leo smiled softly. — You saved both of us.

From that night on, fear no longer ruled their lives.

Only truth.

And freedom.