Maeve lowered the phone so Theodore could reach it.

"Blue Star Kindergarten?" Quinton replied, surprised. "I've never heard of such a kindergarten in Kleymond. Is it very famous?"

"However," the principal of Blue Star Kindergarten interjected, his face flushing with embarrassment, then paling with indignation, "there is one thing I know for sure: no school can beat us in terms of recognition."

"Oh," Theodore drawled. "But their principal just said they don't accept students from humble families. They're worried about their ranking. Does your school do the same?" Maeve stifled her laughter at his mischievous look.

Quinton disagreed. "Then he's really snobbish and lacks an eye for talent. Boy, if you come to my school, I guarantee there won't be such contemptible discrimination."

The principal of Blue Star Kindergarten could only swallow the insult and remain silent.

Maeve smiled. "Since Mr. Mayer is so open-minded, I believe your school will provide a healthy and inclusive environment. Then see you later."

Theodore stuck out his tongue. "Mommy, you hung up too quickly! He meant that wasn't humiliating for the principal of Blue Star Kindergarten."

Usually, Theodore would retaliate against anyone who offended him at the first opportunity.

Maeve touched his nose, then looked at the pale-faced principal.

"M-Ms. Reese," the principal stammered, "I think we can talk about this again."

"I don't think that's necessary," Maeve said lightly. "Your school is too good for us. We're not worthy of it. Thank you for the rejection. I'm sending my son to Islaton now."

The last sentence stung the principal so badly his face contorted.

Maeve turned and left his office with Theodore, heading for Blue Star Kindergarten. The kindergarten tour took less than two hours, and they completed all the procedures. Theodore could officially start school tomorrow.

After they left, a teacher beside Quinton asked, "Mr. Mayer, is there anything special about the mother and son? Many students here come from affluent families, but I've never seen you treat them specially."

Quinton smiled. "However, none of them can win the favor of the royal family of Erancia and possess their outstanding ability to raise the status of women in Estan. Now you see why Ms. Reese is different, not to mention her son." The teacher looked curious. "He's quite well-behaved, but is there anything special about him?"

"He's a Mensa member," Quinton said meaningfully. "He joined last year, at only four years old." The teacher gasped. "Wow! The high-IQ society? He's actually a prodigy!" The previous youngest member was only six, and Theodore qualified at three. Quinton nodded. "Our kindergarten has seen prodigies, but only a few have fared well. I just don't know if this boy will become a sad story."

Back at the hotel, the receptionist told Maeve three people had come looking for her, and one was still waiting in the lobby. Maeve glanced into the lobby, expecting Lynn, but saw Bonnie instead.

They hadn't seen each other for a long time, but felt no estrangement. They hugged and jumped for joy.

"Bonnie, how did you know I was here?" Maeve asked.

Bonnie was slightly unhappy. "You reminded me! Are we really best friends? You didn't tell me you'd returned to the country. I found out from my cousin."

Maeve quickly comforted her. "I just wanted to find you after I settled down. It's my fault. Don't be mad at me."

"Mommy," Theodore poked his head out from behind, asking sweetly, "Is she the pretty godmother you always talk about?"

Bonnie tried to feign sadness, but his sweet words delighted her.

"Maeve, where did you steal this boy?" Bonnie asked, looking at him curiously.

Theodore corrected her seriously. "Bonnie, Mom gave birth to me after ten months of pregnancy. She didn't steal me."

Bonnie found him adorable and pinched his chubby face. "Alright, she brought you into the world. My apologies."

"It's okay. I forgive you because you're so pretty," he replied.

Bonnie's heart melted. She turned to Maeve. "Maeve, did the doctor give you any miracle drug during pregnancy? You have such a sweet and cute son."

Maeve was both amused and annoyed. "I suppose so. This guy praises everyone he sees. I can't stop him."

"That's good. He's very generous, better than most kids I've met," Bonnie said, liking him very much. "By the way, what's his name?"

"Bonnie, my name is Theodore, and you can call me Theo. I'm four years old. I love drinking milk and playing video games. You can play with me when you're free. I can carry you," he replied. Bonnie's eyes lit up. "Great! I like to play video games too. That's a deal!"

"That's a deal," Theodore said.

Maeve watched them hug and shook her head. "Let's go up and talk. I grabbed some groceries. Let's make a feast to celebrate our reunion tonight."

"Wonderful!" Bonnie nodded repeatedly.

Reaching the penthouse suite, Bonnie was surprised again. "Maeve, you made a fortune overseas these past few years? You're staying in the presidential suite!"

She remembered Maeve had always chosen the cheapest habitable place to save money.

Seeing Theodore actively carrying groceries to the kitchen, Maeve's eyes glinted with tenderness. "Back then, I was alone and it didn't matter where I lived. But now I have Theo." She always wanted to give him the best. Bonnie understood her motherly love. "If I had such a cute baby, I might even do something dramatic!" Within an hour, Bonnie was charmed by Theodore.

The three enjoyed a warm and lively feast. After dinner, Theodore poured milk, then returned to his room, leaving Maeve and Bonnie alone.

They sat side by side, looking out the floor-to-ceiling window, talking about the past.

Bonnie asked curiously, "Maeve, Theo is Byron's child, right?"

Maeve nodded, then shook her head. "Theo is my child."

Bonnie hugged her understandingly. "There are many men out there. I'll find you better ones. Forget him." She sounded like a matchmaker, amusing Maeve.

"Let's talk about men later. There's something I need your help finding," Maeve said.

"What is it?" Bonnie asked.