"Well..." Maisie hesitated on how to proceed.The children were very young but already had a clear sense of right and wrong. As their teacher, if she couldn't measure up to the children, how could she be a role model for them?Maisie bit her lip and first checked on James' injuries before taking him to the school infirmary. Then, she returned to take Persephone by the hand and headed to the office for a private conversation.She placed Persephone in a chair in the office and squatted down in front of her."Sephy, I wasn't blaming you for what happened." Maisie smiled and whispered in her ear, "A girl doesn't have the physical advantage to fight with a boy."In an instant, the little princess' eyes lit up, filled with a mixture of surprise and emotions. Then her tears fell."It's alright, it's alright!" She raised her chubby little hand, trying to reassure her teacher. "I'm not hurt, and I'm really good at fighting! Ms. Maisie, don't worry about me!""Alright." Maisie patted her
"Grandpa Nicholas!" Persephone exclaimed, her eyes scanning the room, eager to find her grandfather.Unbeknownst to her, he was already crouched behind the sofa.Linda was exasperated. "What else has your grandfather been teaching you?"Persephone continued. "Grandpa said people should eat when they're hungry, sleep when they're tired, and speak their minds when they're unhappy."He also mentioned we don't have to be nice to people like that! Just give them three words—just beat them!"Oh, he also told me that you were really good at fighting when you were young!"Maisie struggled to stifle her laughter but couldn't help but chuckle, covering her face with embarrassment and turning away.Persephone lifted her chin, acting as if she had achieved something incredible, her expression filled with pride.Linda took a deep breath but couldn't hold back any longer and finally snapped. "Nicholas Thompson!" she thundered.Even though he was hiding behind the sofa, he was still pulled o
Maisie picked up the phone and was met with a barrage of shouting. "Ms. Squire, is this how you teach children? Allowing them to fight without intervening? Is this how you set an example?!"Maisie felt frustrated but patiently explained, "Ma'am, I've talked to you about James' issues before—""Stop with the excuses!" the woman interrupted arrogantly. "My son is being bullied in your class, and I won't let this slide. You'll see!"With that, she hung up.Maisie shook her head and sighed. Working at this kindergarten had always been one of her most enjoyable experiences. She loved children and the environment, feeling fortunate to have a job she was passionate about. This was her first time encountering such a difficult and unreasonable parent.Daniel looked at her with concern and asked, "Is there a problem? Do you need me...""It's okay," Maisie replied, feeling a bit embarrassed. "I can't trouble you anymore. I'm a teacher, and it's my responsibility to handle conflicts with par
Even if Mrs. Bayer had some influence, she couldn't compete against these famous wealthy families on her own. Plus, her son had gotten into trouble with the young Hamerton heiress!Even if Ruth was slow, she knew what mattered most in this situation. This matter couldn't be smoothed over!Maisie was there, too. Faced with Mrs. Bayer's irrational behavior, she calmly said, "Mrs. Bayer, it was James who provoked the other children first.""But my son got beaten up. That's a fact!"Maisie smiled. "By your reasoning, this should only be children playing around."Mrs. Bayer was furious. "What kind of teacher are you? How can you say that?""When James was causing trouble, that's how you described it. So, I assume that's your logic. Why, Mrs. Bayer? When your son bullies others, it's just children playing, but when someone hits him back, it's their fault? Mrs. Bayer, it seems you have quite the double standard!"Mrs. Bayer's eyes widened, her chest heaving. She glared at Maisie for a
Maisie forced a stiff smile as she shook her head."Ms. Squire, you've been working hard recently. How about we give you some time off?" Ruth kindly suggested. "Take a few days to rest, and if that difficult parent returns, I'll handle it.""Ms. Corbin—""It's okay!" Ruth smiled. "You've earned a break. Here's the plan—you can delegate your classroom duties to other teachers, and you take some time to relax and recharge. Then, we'll handle this challenging parent together."Maisie gratefully nodded and quickly passed on her responsibilities.However, she couldn't relax properly at home. The name "Sophia" on the application form felt like it was taunting her. She could see the woman with her arms crossed whenever she closed her eyes.She hesitated for a while but eventually dialed Graham's number.They arranged to meet that evening.When the appointed time came, Maisie heard movement across the hall and quickly got up to open the door, just in time to see Graham return."M-Mais
Graham shifted his eyes and nervously chuckled. "Are you overworked lately? It's pretty late now. How about you get some rest, and we can talk later?"With that, Graham turned and left.Maisie watched him go, thinking about his evasive words. She leaned against the wall with a bitter smile.She had a feeling that their relationship had come to an end.That night, Maisie tossed and turned in bed for a long time. Her mind was a mess, and her thoughts were all over the place. She rolled over and spotted the teddy bear on her bedside table. She grabbed it and hugged it tightly.Soon, she drifted into a dream.In her dream, she saw a bright white light that faded to reveal a beautiful small villa with a yard full of vibrant orchids in various colors.Intrigued, she pushed open the front door, revealing a room filled with classic Eropah-style furniture. The decor was both subtle and luxurious. She stood there in shock, unsure of what to do. Then she saw someone on the sofa, who slowly
"But..." Maisie hesitated. "Mr. Quimby, this is my responsibility. Those kids in that class are under my care. If the parents have any issues or complaints, I should handle them.""I told you not to go!" Daniel's tone became firmer. His gaze was intense, like an unfathomable abyss, exuding an intimidating presence.Maisie's heart raced. Daniel looked stern, even somewhat ruthless, but she wasn't afraid. She didn't know why, but she wasn't afraid of him no matter how he appeared."Mr. Quimby..."He lowered his voice and firmly squeezed her shoulder. "Maisie, leave everything to me."Maisie suddenly realized that Daniel might know something. Her heart pounded, and she stared at him. "Mr. Quimby, is there something you want to tell me?"Daniel bit his lip. After remaining silent for a while, he said, "I won't hide it from you. I've actually already investigated your fiance.""What are you saying?"Daniel produced a photo, and Maisie's mind went blank."James' mother, Sophia, has
"Uncle Daniel," Zuko said, hugging Lina. He chuckled. "We're here for Sephy, but we're also curious about James' father.""Hah, not a good guy for sure!" Zuko's business partner chimed in. He was close to the Hamertons."You can tell by the kid's mother. Both husband and wife must be birds of a feather. That's why they raised such a rotten kid!"Lina patted the woman's hand and smiled gently."Mrs. Hamerton, I know you have a good temper and are generous, but don't stop me later! That brat has bullied my son, and I'm determined to get justice for my child today!"As she finished speaking, the meeting room door swung open. Sophia exuded arrogance as she entered in high heels. James followed behind her with a frown and scanned everyone with a deep grudge.Sophia patted James' head and reassured him not to be scared."Ms. Corbin, folks," she said and took off her sunglasses, her crimson lips forming a mocking smirk. "My son was hit in kindergarten, and I'm determined to get to the