"Yeah!" Evelyn nodded, but just then, she spotted a tall figure striding toward them. Her eyes welled up with tears again. "Daddy!"


    She shook her head. "No, I''m okay."


    The principal arrived with several teachers, inviting them to wait in the lounge while things were sorted out. Vivian came in too, holding Xavier''s hand and talking softly with him.


    The three teachers nearby looked on nervously.


    Everyone knew the students at this private preschool came from powerful, influential families-none of them were people you''d want to cross.


    At that moment, the principal-a woman in her early forties-hurried in, anxiety written all over her face. She quickly greetedn and Xavier.


    "I''m so sorry this happened at our school. We take full responsibility and will handle everything properly."


    Soon after, a video recording of the incident was shown. On the screen, Vivian and Evelyn were seen ying in the hallway when a chubby little boy suddenly ran up and snatched Vivian''s stuffed animal.


    Vivian tried to get it back, but the boy just grinned, holding the toy out of reach. Evelyn sprang forward, grabbing the other end, and the two of them tugged back and forth for several seconds. Suddenly, Evelyn lost her grip, and the boy tumbled backward, hitting the back of his head on the floor.


    Xavier''s expression darkened as he realized his niece had been bullied like this at school.


    Eleanor, meanwhile, couldn''t help but feel a bit proud of her daughter for standing up for her friend-even against someone much bigger than herself.


    Just then, a shrill, high-pitched voice rang out from the hallway. "Where are the parents of that child? I''m telling you now, if this isn''t handled properly, I''ll go straight to the press. Don''t think you can sweep this under the rug! My husband owns a filmpany-he has connections with several media outlets."


    "Yes, of course, we''ll make sure this is dealt with appropriately," the vice principal replied with a nervous smile, ushering a woman inside. Behind her, a nanny carried the chubby boy, his head swathed in bandages.


    The woman''s eyes widened when she saw the two sets of parents in the lounge. Then she red furiously at Evelyn.


    Evelyn immediately shrank into her father''s arms, looking scared. Ian patted her gently, his voice soft and reassuring. "It''s alright. Don''t be afraid."


    Then he turned a cold, sharp gaze on the woman and addressed the principal. "Principal ke, how do you intend to handle this?"<fnff73> Chapters first released on f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l?</fnff73>


    The woman cut in before the principal could answer. "Handle it? There''s only one way—an apology andpensation! My son''s hurt his head. If there are anysting effects, you''ll be responsible for the rest of his life."


    Principal ke inwardly groaned-she could tell this mother was used to getting her way.


    "Mrs. Lambert, do you know when Mr. Lambert will arrive?" the vice principal asked politely.


    "He''s on his way. Should be here any minute," Mrs. Lambert replied, folding her arms. "Well? Are you all mute? Not even an apology?"


    Xavier''s face darkened. "Your son should apologize to my daughter first."


    "You" Mrs. Lambert faltered. She knew perfectly well her son had snatched the mixed-race girl''s toy.


    Eleanor, her patience fraying, spoke up. "We''re willing to listen to mediation."


    Mrs. Lambert scoffed, "Mediation? I don''t ept that! There''s only one solution: you apologize and pay for damages, or there''s nothing to talk about."


    She had barely finished when a short, stocky man strode in and immediately snapped at her, "Be quiet."


    Mrs. Lambert stared at him in disbelief. "Why are you yelling at me? Yell at them!"


    "Go sit down," Mr. Lambert retorted, then turned ton and Xavier with a sheepish smile. "I''m so sorry, Mr. Goodwin, Mr. Vaughn. My son was out of line, and it''s our fault for not teaching him better. We sincerely apologize."


    Mrs. Lambert could only gape at her husband,pletely stunned.