Episode: 2
Sage embraces young Layla in the hallway and promises to care for her. Ten-year-old Jasper watches them from a distance with crossed arms and clear suspicion. Corinne Rayner walks up in a black silk robe and questions Sage's presence. When Corinne grabs Layla's arm, Sage steps in and grips Corinne's wrist to protect the girl. Corinne dismisses Sage's actions and walks away. Layla holds on to Sage, while Jasper smiles faintly.
Sage hugs Layla in the hallway and reassures her that she has a mother now. While Sage focuses on comforting the young girl, she spots ten-year-old Jasper standing nearby. Jasper crosses his arms and stares at Sage with distrust.
Corinne Rayner approaches Sage in a black silk robe and speaks condescendingly. Corinne yanks Layla by the arm to force her to bed. Sage intervenes immediately, grabs Corinne's wrist, and shields both children until Corinne pulls away and leaves.
Layla clings tightly to Sage after Corinne walks down the corridor. Jasper watches the hallway confrontation end. He notices Sage standing firm to protect his little sister, and his guarded expression relaxes into a subtle smile.
“Yes sweetheart. You have a mother now.”
“So you're the woman replacing me?”
“Enough. She's meeting me for the first time. She's shy. No need to get rough.”
“I didn't hurt her. You're overreacting.”
Corinne walks away down the hallway after making dismissive remarks, leaving the children with Sage. Layla stays pressed against her new stepmother for safety, and Jasper offers a rare, subtle smile. Will Corinne retaliate against Sage for physically challenging her authority, and can Sage continue keeping the two children safe in the mansion?