I have a ten-year-old cat named Luna, and when I needed a new sitter for a trip, I hired Emily, my fiancé’s niece. I made it plain that she could not allow Luna out unsupervised.

When we got back, I learned Emily had let her out alone—and forgot her outside overnight. My blood boiled when I discovered scratches on her. She even felt nauseated. I was infuriated and refused to pay her. When I challenged Emily about why she didn’t help Luna, she revealed that she didn’t have enough money to take her to the vet. I’ve already planned a veterinarian visit.

Now, I’m demanding that she work for free and pay Luna’s vet fees because it was her responsibility. She refused, and my brother-in-law agrees with her, stating I should pay and not demand money from her. But I’m sticking firm because Luna’s health is my top responsibility, and Emily violated my trust.