Chapter 114

Rachel’s eyes suddenly filled with tears, on the verge of spilling over. Marin’s young and confused voice broke the tension. “Hey lady, why do you cry so much? Every time I see you, you’re crying. Even when I got hurt fighting with Keen, I didn’t cry. And you’re a grown-up.”

Rachel’s carefully constructed poise fractured. Her face froze, caught between tears and composure. The preschool teacher, who had been observing the drama unfold, quickly stepped in to ease the situation. “Uh, maybe we should focus on the issue with the kids first.”

Stella turned to the teacher. “Regarding Marvin’s behavior, we’re willing to apologize to Keen. Once Marvin’s dad gets back, he can apologize to Keen’s parents too.”

“We promise it won’t happen again. We’ll cover any medical bills and compensation.”

“Sorry for the trouble we’ve caused.”

Everyone knew that families who could afford this preschool weren’t short on money. The real issue was the attitudes of the kids and parents. Marvin had already apologized to Keen, and Stella’s approach seemed sincere. Logically, that should settle things.

But there was one glaring complication – Ms. Cameron wasn’t just Keen’s absent mother. She was also Marvin’s legal guardian.

The teacher dabbed at her damp forehead with a trembling hand before casting an uneasy glance at Haynes. “Mr. O’Brien, Marvin has apologized, and his guardian has also expressed their stance. Do you have any other requests?”

Keen looked up at Haynes with a pout. “I don’t accept it! He doesn’t just hit me once, he does it secretly when no one’s watching.”

Haynes had heard similar complaints from Keen before about Marvin’s bullying. His icy gaze fell on Marvin, making the boy shrink back instinctively, hiding behind Stella. Stella shielded Marvin, blocking Haynes’ stare. Seeing this, Haynes’ expression grew even colder.

“Stella, your own son is right here, and you’re protecting another child?”

Stella glanced at Haynes and Rachel. “He has plenty of people looking out for him. He doesn’t need me.” She paused and looked down at Marvin. “But Marvin only has me.”

Marvin instinctively squeezed Stella’s hand. “Stella, you’re the best.” He looked enviously at Keen. I really wish I had a mom like Stella. If Stella were my mom, that’d be amazing…

Keen’s chest tightened as he watched Stella – how she always shut him out, but now stood guard over that kid like he actually mattered. The last thread of his restraint snapped. “She’s a mean mom! Always picking on Rachel!”

Main defended Stella. “Stella’s not mean. You guys are the ones bullying her.”

“I’ve seen it so many times! You always make her apologize to that mean lady.”

“You even say she’s embarrassing and tell other kids she’s just your family’s nanny, breaking her heart.”

“You spread rumors about her, drove her away, then complained she didn’t care about you.”

“If you don’t want such a great mom, I’ll take her!”