Chapter 143 Beat Up a Kindergarten Child

Chapter 143 Beat Up a Kindergarten Child

When Sophie returned to the office, Matthew had already left.

Hearing he'd left in a hurry, she felt puzzled and gave him a call.

Matthew didn't pick up. Though she found it odd, she didn't call again, figuring he probably had something urgent to deal with.

That evening after work.

Sophie headed straight home. The moment she opened the door, the familiar aroma of home-cooked food greeted her.

A small smile tugged at her lips as she kicked off her shoes and tossed her keys on the table.

Walking into the kitchen, she found two figures—one tall, one small—busy at work.

Silas was only five, wearing a little apron, standing on a stool helping wash vegetables.

Matthew clearly heard her come in. He glanced back and gave her a slight smile. "Go sit and rest for a bit. Dinner's almost ready."

Sophie leaned against the doorway, watching Silas flash her a flattering grin.

She raised an eyebrow. "This eager to please? What did you do wrong?"

Hearing this, Silas immediately shot Matthew a guilty look.

Matthew changed the subject. "Why don't you go take a shower? Dinner will be ready when you get out."

Sophie noticed the two of them hemming and hawing. She didn't need to guess—Silas had definitely gotten into trouble. Otherwise, the kid wouldn't be this helpful or volunteering to assist in the kitchen.

She didn't press further. They'd tell her eventually.

After showering in her room, she emerged to find the table already set.

Silas eagerly pulled Sophie over. "Come try what Uncle Matthew and I made together!"

Sophie gave him a knowing look. Silas handed her a fork.

She took a bite and nodded. "Not bad. Now tell me—what did you do?"

Silas glanced at Matthew. When Matthew didn't speak, he hung his head, picking at his fingers, and said quietly, "I hit a kid at preschool."

Sophie's face immediately darkened. "Silas!"

He kept his head down, nodding slowly. "I'm sorry, Mom. I was wrong..."

"You're quick to apologize, but how many times has this happened now?" Sophie rubbed her temples in frustration.

Silas might seem well-behaved at home, but outside he was a little terror. Fighting and mischief were routine.

Sophie had lectured him countless times. He just never changed.

Silas pressed his lips together without responding, his eyes turning red as he looked at Sophie—as if he were the one who'd been wronged.

Matthew cleared his throat and pulled Silas into his arms. "This time really wasn't Silas's fault. The other kid was rude. I've already talked to Silas about it, so don't be mad at him."

Seeing how protective Matthew was being, Sophie felt helpless. "You're going to spoil him. You have no idea how much trouble he causes. He never listens."

Silas lifted his head slightly, his voice hoarse. "He said I don't have a dad first. That I'm a... a bastard."

Sophie's scolding caught in her throat. Seeing tears roll down Silas's cheeks, she fell silent.

Sensing the tension, Matthew patted Silas's small shoulder gently. "Silas, go wash your face first."

Silas turned and ran off, clearly upset.

Sophie rubbed her forehead regretfully. "I didn't know."

Matthew didn't blame her. Instead, he offered comfort. "Silas is usually so mischievous, it's understandable you'd misunderstand him this time. But the kid's already upset enough—don't scold him anymore. The school's punishment is suspension for two weeks."

Sophie frowned. "What about the other kid?"

She disciplined Silas when he misbehaved, but that didn't mean she'd let others bully her child and just take it.

Matthew smiled as he served her some vegetables. "You think I'd let Silas be wronged? That kid's suspended for a month."

Hearing this, Sophie relaxed a little. She glanced toward the bedroom hesitantly. "I should go apologize to him in a bit. I did misunderstand him, after all."

Matthew didn't stop her. "Silas really was hurt this time. Make sure you comfort him properly."

Realizing she'd wrongly accused her son and hurt his feelings, Sophie didn't stand on parental authority. She got up and went to his room to coax him out for dinner.

Silas's temper flared quickly but cooled just as fast. With a few kind words from Sophie, he stopped crying and fussing, though he clearly still wasn't ready to talk to her.

Sophie's apology was sincere. When she made a mistake, she did everything possible to make it up to him. She asked gently, "How about the day after tomorrow, when I have time, I take you to the amusement park?"

Silas puffed out his cheeks and looked up at Sophie. "Really?"

Sophie immediately served him a forkful of his favorite chicken wings. "Of course. Uncle Matthew will be here too, so we can all go together."

Silas sniffed lightly. "Then I'll forgive you, Mom."

Sophie ruffled his hair affectionately. This was what she loved about her sweet boy—he got upset easily, but was just as easy to console.

Matthew found their interaction amusing. Sophie might be strict with Silas normally, but when she was in the wrong, she owned up to it and apologized without hesitation.

Seeing Sophie fussing over Silas without eating anything herself, he served her some food.

"You should eat too. I haven't been here for a week, and you look like you've lost weight."

Sophie smiled. "I've been working with Master Harris lately. It's been busy, so I haven't been eating regularly."

Matthew frowned. "Then I'll make you some good food to build your strength back up."

Sophie didn't refuse. "How long are you planning to stay this time?"

Matthew answered, "Three days. By the way, what did Finn want when he asked you out today?"

Sophie knew he'd heard about it at the office.

"He said he's going back home. He came to say goodbye."

Matthew already knew. "He's going back for an arranged marriage."

Sophie looked startled. "An arranged marriage? Really?"

She'd thought he was joking. She hadn't expected it to be true.

Matthew nodded, explaining quietly, "With Miss Hopper. His family arranged it."

As he spoke, he studied Sophie carefully. Only after seeing no unusual reaction did he relax.

He knew it—Sophie couldn't possibly be interested in a kid like Finn.

Sophie didn't notice his scrutiny. Since it was someone else's business, she didn't pry further, saying casually, "That's good for him—if he can actually settle down."

Matthew suddenly asked, "Will you go back for it?"

Sophie looked confused. "Why would I go to his engagement?"

Matthew looked at her with amusement. "Working with Master Harris this time, didn't he mention anything?"

Sophie frowned, looking blank. "Mention what?"

Matthew said, "The other party in your collaboration with Master Harris is Finn's family."

Sophie froze. She vaguely remembered her assistant mentioning "Heuston Group," but she'd been busy with something at the time and hadn't paid attention.

No wonder that guy was being so mysterious—he knew Master Harris was planning to bring him back.

But... going back would mean seeing Preston, wouldn't it?

Seeing Sophie fall silent, Matthew seemed to understand her concern. "If it's too much, just decline. Going back would make it easy for you to be discovered."