Chapter 36

Annie's POV

Howard and I arrived at the preschool right on time. We had important matters to resolve today, and Howard's expression made it clear he wouldn't leave until we did.

Lucy's teacher came out to meet us, clearly anticipating our arrival.Howard stepped forward, and the teacher quickly spoke before he could begin.

"The situation has been handled as we discussed," she assured us. "There's no need to worry too much."

Howard's stern expression softened slightly. After most parents had left,Lucy finally came out. Her face brightened when she saw us, and she rushed over excitedly.

"Mom, can we go home? Dad promised mac and cheese tonight!" Her enthusiasm was infectious,but I knew our plans had changed.

"Actually, sweetheart," I said gently, "we're going to visit your grandparents after this."

Lucy's smile vanished as quickly as morning frost under sunlight.Her small fingers tightened around her notebook until the edges crumpled,eyes darting to Howard before fixing firmly on the ground. The sudden shift in her demeanor made my heart clench. Lucy steals other children's mothers?"

A little girl with braided pigtails nodded, seemingly oblivious to the weight of her words."Yes."

"Who said this?" The teacher's voice remained steady,professíonál,though I noticed her eyes flickering briefly to Lucy.

"Max did," the girl answered without hesitation, adjusting her backpack straps.

The pieces clicked into place with sickening clarity. Max. Sarah's son. Of course. The realization sent a wave of cold anger through my chest-this wasn't just playground cruelty, this was calculated. Sarah's fingerprints were all over it, using her own child as a weapon. How long had this been going on? How many other subtle ways had she found to hurt Lucy, to try to drive wedges between us? Life had given me a second chance with Lucy and Howard - this time, I wouldn't let anyone take it away.

"They should be," Brian answered for him, earning a glare from Max.

Brian looked confused as he watched Max, then headed toward his waiting driver. It was clear he didn't understand why Sarah would pick up Max but never him, despite them being classmates.

"Could you wait until his parent arrives?" the teacher asked Howard. "We should address this together." Howard nodded curtly. Though his expression remained neutral, I could tell from the slight tension in his jaw that he was troubled by the situation. When Sarah finally appeared, her confident stride faltered as she spotted us. Her steps grew increasingly hesitant as she approached, finally stopping beside the teacher. "Come on, Max. Time to go home." "Mama..." Max ducked behind her, seeking protection.

Sarah's defensive posture was immediate as she tried to guide Max away,but Howard stepped forward, effectively blocking their path. His voice was eerily calm, yet carried an undercurrent of steel that made even Sarah flinch.

"Your son has been spreading malicious rumors that have resulted in my daughnter being ostracized by her classmates." His gaze was unwavering."How do you intend to address this?"

Sarah's hand tightened protectively on Max's shoulder as she felt him trembling. Her laugh was sharp and dismissive. "And how exactly are you sure it was my son?"

I stared at her in disbelief. Was she really going to deny it?

"The other children have confirmed it," the teacher saidquietly."They all say Max told them."

Sarah glanced down at Max, who nodded miserably. The confirmation seemed to steel her resolve rather than humble her. "Fine. What exactly did he say?"

"That my daughter stole Brian's mother." Howard's words were precise,measured.

Sarah's smile turned cruel. "Well, didn't she?" I felt Howard tense beside me, but this was my battle to fight. "Sarah,"I kept my voice steady, "you know better than anyone that Brian rejected me as his mother first. I didn't leave the Baker family-I was pushed out.Lucy simply welcomed someone who had nowhere else to go." I met her gaze evenly. "You know the truth, yet you're lying to protect your son from taking responsibility. Should I remind everyone exactly what you did back then?"

Though my tone remained gentle, Sarah's face drained of color. Her eyes darted between Howard and me,clearly weighing her options.

"My son made a mistake," she finally said, lifting her chin defiantly. "He's just a child - he couldn't have known the consequences of his words. Are you really going to hold a grudge against a child? Surely as adults, you can be more understanding."

I opened my mouth to respond, but Howard's hand on my shoulder stopped me.

"So you have no intention of helping us resolve this situation?" His tone was dangerously quiet.

Sarah shrugged, her confidence returning. "It's not like it caused any real harm to your daughter."

"I see." Howard nodded once, then took my hand in his while reaching for Lucy with the other. Without another word, he led us toward the car.

"But she hasn't even apologized to Lucy!" I protested as he opened the car door. "How is this fair to her?"

Howard's smile was sharp as he helped me into the car. "Do you really think a halfhearted apology would be enough? After everything they've done?"I studied his expression with growing curiosity. "What are you planning?" The corner of Howard's mouth lifted slightly, his eyesglinting with something that made my breath catch. But he didn't answer.