Chapter 3%
She lifted her chin, eyes brimming with arrogance. “This kindergarten isn’t just for anyone. Even with kids like yours enrolled, it still feels beneath me”
I curved my lips into a slow smile.
“Do you even know who owns this kindergarten?“%
Dakota let out a scoff and spun in a small circle, arms wide.
“What? Don’t tell me it’s yours.“!
Well, she actually guessed right.
There wasn’t a corner in Jacksonville that didn’t bear the mark of the Hathaway family.
Even if a coin fell from the sky, it landed stamped with our name.
Just then, Margot appeared and gently tugged the hem of my dress, her voice small and hesitant.
“Mommy, can we go home? Margot hurts.“>
My chest tightened, the weight of it stealing the air from my lungs.}
For a brief second, I questioned everything.
All I ever wanted was a quiet, peaceful life, far from chaos.
But maybe hiding away had only ended up hurting the one I loved most.”
“Did you hear that? She said she’s hurting!“}
One of the twin boys spat toward Margot. “Serves you right! Who told you not to let us see your panties?“}
“Tomorrow we’ll lift your skirt again! We’ll record it and post it in the group chat!“>
My head jerked up.
The two boys kept laughing, completely unbothered.§
One of them even reached out, trying to tug at Margot’s skirt.
“Next time, we’ll strip you for real!“}
“Yeah! Strip her!” the other chimed in.
“Mom says girls are born to be looked at by men! When we grow up, we’ll play with all the girls at school. You’ll be the first, Margot!“}
The surrounding teachers gasped in shock.§
But Dakota didn’t scold them; she simply covered her mouth and let out a soft laugh.
“Kids say the darndest things. They’re just curious, it’s harmless. Looking won’t kill her.”
I stared at her, my voice cold and deliberate.}
“What did you just say?“}
Dakota shrugged, completely unfazed.>
“Oh, spare me the righteous act. What’s so special about a little brat’s body? Honestly, being noticed by my sons should be a privilege for people like you.“}
At her words, I gave a small nod and walked straight toward the twins.
Only then did the people around us begin to sense that something was wrong.
A teacher stepped forward, trying to stop me. “Ms. Hathaway, please, calm down.“}
I didn’t respond. I made my way to the older twin, the one who’d said he’d strip Margot, knelt down, and looked him directly in the eye. “You really like looking at other people’s underwear?“}
He lifted his chin with defiance. At nearly six, he already stood chest–high to me.
“None of your damn business!“}
I gave him a calm, faint smile, then swiftly yanked open his coat. Two buttons popped off and scattered across the floor.
“Then why don’t you try it, see how it feels to be stripped?“}
“What are you doing?!“}
Dakota screamed and rushed over. “Let go of my son! Who the hell is your daughter? Just being looked at won’t kill her!“}
“Mom! Mom! Help!“}
The room instantly descended into chaos.
“Don’t act impulsively, Ms. Hathaway!”
The principal ran over, her face drained of color. “She’s someone we really can’t afford to offend!“}
“Yes, yes!”
Several teachers joined in anxiously.}
“Think of the child, just let it go!“}
“If Dakota gets angry, we’ll all pay for it!“}
Dakota barked, “Hold this lunatic down for me!“}
Gapter
33
2009
8:43 PM
Eight bodyguards stormed in from all sides.
“Ms. Hathaway…”
。
Teacher Russell’s voice shook. “They’ll really do it. Last week, a deliveryman stepped on her shoes by accident; he’s still in the ICU.“}
But I couldn’t afford to be distracted.
The lead bodyguard raised his baton and swung it toward my head.
I sidestepped and moved without hesitation, one clean grappling twist, and the towering brute dropped like a sack of potatoes.
ミリミリミリ
