Chapter 99
Chapter 99
Just as Sharon reached the kindergarten’s office door, she caught voices from inside.
“This boy keeps bullying Theo. Just look at the bruises-he hit him again today. Carter, we can’t let this slide. When the other kid’s parent gets here, they’d better give us an explanation.”
A low, cool male voice responded, “Mm.”
Sharon paused only for a second before knocking and pushing open the door.
“Sorry I’m late.”
As soon as she stepped in, Theo’s childish voice rang out, sharp with anger, “What are you doing here?!”
Sharon’s eyes flicked toward Theo, who was nestled protectively in Kelly’s arms.
Theo lifted his chin when their eyes met, a flash of arrogant satisfaction crossing his face.
“You’re just our nanny. You shouldn’t have come here!”
Theo was clearly furious. He’d gotten into trouble, the teacher had called her, and she had the nerve to deny she was his mother. Hmph. Just like Kelly had said-Mom was only playing games to get attention, from him and from Dad. She claimed she didn’t care, but here she was, showing up anyway.
Kelly turned to Sharon with an expression of surprise, as if she were an intruder who had barged in uninvited.
“Sharon, what are you doing here?”
Then, as if realizing she’d said too much, she quickly covered her mouth.
“Sharon, I didn’t mean anything by that. It’s just… I heard the teacher called you and you refused to come, even said you weren’t Theo’s mother… I was worried Theo would be treated unfairly, so I came to check on him. Please, don’t misunderstand. I have no intention of taking Theo away from you.”
The teachers, the director, even the principal in the room turned to look at Sharon with a mix of surprise and discomfort.
“So… she’s Theo’s actual mother? There was that parent-child event the other day-she didn’t come either. This woman did instead… No matter how busy you are, you should still make time for your kid.”
“Exactly. And claiming she isn’t his mother? That’s going a bit too far.”
A few of the teachers whispered among themselves.
This was a private, elite kindergarten. Its staff were carefully chosen-not just highly educated, but also sincerely devoted to children. Even if the people in front of them were powerful and not to be offended, the school’s own backing wasn’t insignificant either. Within reason, the teachers had the right to speak up equally to parents.
Standing off to the side, Carter’s expression darkened.
“Sharon, you can play whatever games you want with me, I’ll tolerate it. But this involves Theo now.”
He stared at her, eyes steady. “I won’t let you use Theo as a bargaining chip.”
Kelly’s voice trembled as she wiped her eyes.
“Sharon, I know you hate me. You don’t want to see Theo getting close to me. But you’ve been gone for a while, and Carter’s been busy too. That’s the only reason I’ve been helping out. If you’re willing to come back, I promise-I’ll stay away from Theo, and I won’t show up in front of you again.”
Before Sharon could respond, Theo broke in, indignant. “No! She’s the one who doesn’t want me. She doesn’t want to be my
mom!”
He glared at Sharon. “If I have to choose between Kelly and Mom, I choose Kelly!”
