Chapter 1989: Please Have Mercy On Me

"Ouch, it hurts!" Zaron burst into tears. Dave felt sorry for his crying son but dared not approach him. The other children, witnessing Zaron's fall, shuddered and stared at the twins with fear.

Archie and Benny returned to Lucian and Roxanne, looking down at their hands with uncertainty, shaking their heads. Lucian knelt, stroking their heads with a calm expression. "Archie, Benny," he said, "there are all kinds of people in this world. Reserve your kindness for those who deserve it; don't waste it on rudeness or unreasonableness. Don't even try to reason with them."

Roxanne's heart resonated with his words. Their gentle nature, she feared, lacked the masculine resilience needed to navigate the complexities of adult life. She fully supported her husband's approach—not teaching violence, but self-reliance, inner strength, and the refusal to tolerate wrongdoing out of misplaced compassion.

The other parents watched their children's distress from a distance. These children, it seemed, had finally received a taste of their own medicine. Lucian addressed them icily: "You can leave now, but I don't want to see your children in this school again."

The parents readily agreed. Their excuses ranged from poor grades to a son's mischievous nature, all profusely thanking Lucian for his "forgiveness." Relieved, they hurried away with their children.

Dave knew he couldn't leave; Lucian had unfinished business with him. Lucian arched a cynical brow, a sarcastic smile playing on his lips. "Mr. Rynder," he said, "a man of your power and influence… I wouldn't be surprised if some of your assets were acquired less than legally. Shall I bring this to the attention of the Central Discipline Inspection Committee?"

Dave's face paled. He hadn't anticipated such ruthlessness, and lacked the courage to retaliate. Tears welled, and he begged for forgiveness. "Mr. Farwell, it's my fault. I'm arrogant, a bad parent. I failed my son, but I'll improve. Punish me, but please don't take my job!"

Lucian's brow furrowed, his gaze sharp. He saw Dave's contrition as a consequence of their encounter; otherwise, he'd likely have continued his negligence. However, Lucian showed no mercy. He scooped up Archie and Benny, nodded to Roxanne, and the family walked towards the gate. Behind them, Dave's pleas echoed, "Mr. Farwell, please have mercy on me!"

Soon, they heard Dave's frustrated shouts and Zaron's cries of pain.