Chapter 293

Chapter 293

Tamsin's gaze darted between the principal and Howard, her hands trembling as she reached for tissues to dab the perspiration beading on her forehead. The silence stretched uncomfortably until Katherine turned to Howard with pointed directness. "What exactly happened here?"

Edward's voice emerged as barely a whisper. "They called Flora and me bastards—kids without fathers. I tried explaining that we do have a dad, he's just not around right now for certain reasons."

"But they wouldn't listen to our explanations," Flora interjected, her small chin lifting defiantly. "They made up this horrible song to mock us, and within hours, half the school was singing it at us."

The mention of the song ignited something fierce in Edward's eyes. His small hands clenched into fists, the urge to deliver another beating practically radiating from his compact frame.

Katherine knelt before him, gently prying his fingers loose. "In all the years I've raised these children, I've never seen Edward this furious," she thought, studying his face.

"Mommy, sometimes enough is enough," Edward declared with startling maturity. "Since they refused to learn their lesson the easy way, Flora and I decided they needed to feel some pain to truly understand. Pain teaches what words cannot, doesn't it?"

Such philosophical reasoning from a child's lips seemed almost surreal, yet Katherine recognized her own teachings reflected in his words. She'd always believed that turning the other cheek only invited more abuse—strategic retaliation was sometimes the only language bullies understood.

"You're absolutely right, sweetheart. I was confused earlier, but now I understand completely. You both handled this perfectly." Katherine's voice warmed with genuine pride. "Tomorrow morning, I'll prepare special lunch boxes as your reward. How does that sound?"

Tamsin's perspiration increased exponentially. Here stood two formidable parents: one might not be the biological father, but he represented the Martinez Group—the very foundation funding this institution—and the other actively encouraged her children's combative instincts. This was a powder keg waiting to explode.

Only after Edward and Flora had visibly relaxed did Katherine rise to face the principal. Her expression remained pleasant, though her words carried unmistakable steel. "Are those other children's parents still here?"

Tamsin shook her head vigorously. "They've already apologized to Edward, Flora, and Mr. Martinez before departing. They've promised to visit your home personally with their children to offer formal apologies. We'll need your address for that arrangement."

"Absolutely not," Katherine's refusal was swift and final. "I won't have random strangers knowing where my children sleep. Who's to say they'll come bearing apologies rather than seeking revenge? Would the school accept responsibility if this escalates into something dangerous?"

Her voice hardened with maternal protectiveness. "This matter ends here and now. If any child repeats this behavior, Edward and Flora won't need to lift a finger—I'll personally visit this school to educate both the children and their parents myself."

Tamsin's perspiration now soaked through to her back. This prestigious private academy catered to the city's elite—one misstep with any powerful family could result in devastating financial consequences, potentially even bankruptcy.

Recognizing that both Tamsin and the principal had maintained appropriately contrite attitudes, Katherine decided against pursuing the matter further. She guided her children toward the changing room, Howard falling into step behind them.

"I didn't expect you here—shouldn't you be at work?" Katherine glanced back at him. "I saw photos online of the queues at your boutique. You must be swamped, so I took the liberty of handling this situation. Besides, I was already here finalizing Barry's enrollment paperwork."

Katherine looked down at her work uniform, the Wilson Corporation mall logo prominently displayed across her chest. In her haste, she'd brought nothing but her phone.

"Michael should have received the call by now," she explained. "The school requested multiple emergency contacts, so I listed everyone I could think of. Someone would always be reachable to ensure the children's safety."

Michael appeared around the corner, breathless and disheveled. "Good God, I got lost on the wrong floor, then spent twenty minutes wandering in circles before finally asking for directions. Are Edward and Flora all right?"

Howard halted his intention to follow Katherine further. "You should return to your store. The children still have one more class, and I have other matters requiring attention."

Katherine nodded, watching Howard's retreating figure. Michael caught his breath and asked with obvious curiosity, "What's he doing here?"

"Officially, he's Edward and Flora's father," Katherine replied matter-of-factly. "Naturally, the school would contact him."

She ushered both children into a private changing stall, conducting a thorough examination of their skin. Several small bruises dotted their arms and legs—minor injuries that appeared superficial.

"Mommy, we're perfectly fine," Edward protested while pulling on his school clothes, his lower lip jutting out petulantly. "These trivial scratches can't hurt us. You shouldn't have come today, and neither should Mr. Martinez. Now they'll think we're making too big a deal of this whole thing!"

Katherine couldn't suppress her laughter at his indignant expression. This child had somehow bypassed her gentle temperament entirely, absorbing only her more combative traits.

"In the future, don't drag Flora into these situations," Katherine advised gently. "Girls should maintain a certain level of grace and refinement."

"Graceful" Flora immediately bristled with offense. "I refuse to be some helpless little lamb for everyone to pick on! I want to be a lioness, a wolf, a fox—anything fierce and powerful! Girls need to be strong and independent too!"

Katherine ruffled her daughter's hair affectionately. "My precious girl, you're so young yet already understand female empowerment. But Flora, you don't need to be strong—I'll always protect you. And when I'm not around, Edward will be there."

After delivering final instructions in the hallway, Katherine watched her children return to their classroom. 

Michael's expression turned wistful. "Why didn't you let me speak with them? I had so much I wanted to say!"

Katherine regarded him with suspicious amusement. "I covered everything necessary and then some. What else could you possibly need to add? I'm genuinely curious."

Michael maintained diplomatic silence until they reached the parking lot. Once assured of privacy, he shadowboxed the empty air with theatrical enthusiasm.

"Those kids have never learned proper combat techniques! I wanted to teach them how to target vital points effectively—make sure those bullies end up black and blue, beaten so badly their own mothers wouldn't recognize them! Serves those foul-mouthed little monsters right."

Watching his exaggerated demonstration, Katherine wished she had her purse to throw at him. Unfortunately, her hasty departure had left her empty-handed, so she settled for delivering two sharp punches to his arm.

"Thank you so much for that brilliant insight," she said sarcastically. "These two children managed to take down several ninth-graders working together. Have you forgotten Edward's medical expertise? He knows exactly where the human body is most vulnerable—did you think he'd miss those pressure points?"

Katherine stared at Michael with exasperated disbelief as he continued his ridiculous martial arts display.

This observation finally brought Michael's performance to an abrupt halt. He scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "You're absolutely right. Edward's acupuncture skills could probably cause excruciating pain—of course he'd know the most effective targets. I was overthinking this completely. When I get home, I'll study some proper self-defense techniques to teach them."

"Focus on protecting yourself instead of scheming," Katherine quickened her pace, leaving him trailing behind.