Chapter 1}
That afternoon, I received a call from the kindergarten teacher. She said my three–year–old daughter, Margot Hathaway, had been bullied by a pair of twins in class.
When I rushed to the kindergarten, I found her in a pink princess dress, drenched in red paint, with a few faint red marks marring her skin. The moment she saw me, the tears she had been holding back finally spilled over. “Mommy, they wanted to play a bad game with me. I didn’t want to, so they poured paint on me.”
I stormed into the principal’s office to demand an explanation, but she lowered her voice and warned me sharply.}
“Those twins are the sons of the richest man in town! Ms. Hathaway, you really can’t afford to cross them. Just take your daughter and keep your distance.“}
The phone I had instinctively raised to throw in anger paused mid–air.}
But wasn’t I the wealthiest person in Jacksonville?}
I called my husband, who was away on a business trip in Phoenix, and told him‘ to come home right away.”
But what I hadn’t expected was that the twins ran straight to my husband the moment they saw him. “Daddy! You’re finally here! Teach this bad woman a lesson!“}
-D
“Those twins are the sons of the richest man in town! Ms. Hathaway, you can’t afford to mess with them! Just take Margot and stay as far away as you can!”
I almost burst out laughing. Richest man in town?
When did Jacksonville’s wealth crown change hands?!
hidden
Just because I’d hidden my assets after my parents died didn’t mean I’d disappeared.}
I looked down at Margot trembling in my arms, and it felt like knives were carving into my heart.”
“Principal, I believe you’re mistaken.”}
I gently patted my daughter’s back, my voice calm–almost too calm. “The richest person in Jacksonville doesn’t have the last name Stewart.”>
The principal paused, then gave me a look full of false sympathy.}
“Ms. Hathaway, perhaps you don’t realize Ms. Stewart is currently the most powerful person in Jacksonville. Even this kindergarten has investments from her husband. You really can’t afford to offend her.“}
“In any case, I suggest you transfer Margot to another school. It’ll be better for everyone.“}
I lowered my head and gently kissed the crown of my daughter’s head.
1.“0
“Margot, tell Mommy why those two children bullied you.“!
Through trembling sobs, she whimpered, “Zion and Orion said they wanted to see what color my panties were. I wouldn’t let them, so they said I had to be punished.“>
A three–year–old child, tied to a tree and splattered with paint, just for that?”
And the principal still dared to ask me to let it go?}
“I want to see their guardians,” I said coldly, eyes fixed on her. “Now. Immediately.“}
The principal tried to stall, but I had already pulled out my phone and made the call
“Secretary Harper, check the investors behind Jacksonville Kindergarten. I want a full list of shareholders and detailed info, within five minutes.”
After I ended the call, the principal’s expression shifted.}
She clearly hadn’t expected an ordinary–looking mother to speak with such authority.
“Ms. Hathaway, what exactly are you trying to do?“>
I offered a faint smile.
“Just because I don’t show off doesn’t mean I’ll allow myself to be walked over.”
Ten minutes later, I sat calmly on the sofa in her office, waiting.
My daughter had already been taken to the school clinic to get cleaned up.}
My phone buzzed. Secretary Harper had sent a message.
A long block of text appeared, followed by a detailed background on the twins‘ mother.
[Dakota Stewart, formerly a hostess at a private club. Began appearing in social circles three years ago after getting involved with a wealthy man. Rose quickly by relying on men. Holds no actual assets but publicly claims to be the ‘richest wife.‘ The father’s field on the twins‘ school records is blank. Further investigation in progress.“}
I narrowed my eyes.”
Interesting. A woman who climbed her way up by clinging to men dares to call herself the richest wife?!
Just then, the office door slammed open, and a heavy wave of perfume rushed in.
