SIXTY FOUR

SYLVIA'S POV

After wrapping up work for the day, I headed straight to the kids' school. As soon as I arrived, I was swarmed by paparazzi, their cameras flashing and voices clamoring with ridiculous and hurtful questions. I tried to ignore them, focusing on getting to Zenith and Zendaya as quickly as possible.

“Ms. Slyvia, is it true your company is a fraud?”

“Are you worried about going to prison?”

The questions were relentless. I hurried the kids into the car, shielding them from the chaos. Zendaya started to cry, her little body shaking with sobs. I knelt beside her, trying to soothe her despite my own frazzled nerves.

“It’s okay, sweetie. Don’t listen to them. Everything’s going to be fine,” I whispered, brushing tears from her cheeks.

Zenith held her hand, looking just as scared but trying to be brave for his sister. I managed to get them both into their seats and drove home as fast as I could without drawing more attention.

When we finally pulled into the driveway and I opened th